In celebration of Black History Month, SCI and the USC Black Alumni Association held a discussion, “The Thin Line Between Black and Blue: Black Law Enforcement Chiefs Panel,” featuring four current and former African American chiefs of police:
- Charlottesville Chief Dr. RaShall Brackney
- Inglewood Mayor James Butts
- Richmond Chief Bisa French
- USC Chief John Thomas
The discussion, moderated by SCI Director Dr. Erroll Southers, examined the racial challenges experienced within the law enforcement culture to reach the highest rank and explored how and why racism within the profession exists and may be worsening as national polarization increases. Police departments are challenged with attracting and recruiting an organization representative of the communities they serve, in an attempt to build trust and legitimacy.
The event was dedicated to the late Mr. Earl Paysinger, the USC vice president of civic engagement who was also a 41-year veteran of the Los Angeles Police Department.
Watch the event highlights below or explore the full event recording.