The 54th Mile Policing Project

The 54th Mile Policing Project is a national initiative that aims to strengthen connections between the police and communities of color in the United States.

Project Overview

In the summer of 2020, three police leaders, Chief Shon Barnes, Assistant Chief Tarrick McGuire, and Dr. Obed Magny, retraced the steps of the historic 54-mile civil rights march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama. Documenting their experience in a powerful 17-minute film, these men used their journey to reflect on what it means to be Black men and law enforcement leaders in the United States. Titled the 54th Mile Policing Project, this film provides a call for collective action to enhance police interactions and relationships with communities of color in the United States. Building upon the powerful message from the 54th Mile Policing Project documentary, the National Policing Institute, with support from the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA Award # 15PBJA-23-GK-00057-MUMU), is creating an innovative training program for law enforcement executives and launching a national initiative designed to strengthen connections between the police and communities of color.

Methodology

In collaboration with the co-creators of the 54th Mile Policing Project documentary and a Steering Committee of leading subject matter experts, NPI staff will develop and pilot an innovative training program to assist police executives in engaging in difficult conversations on race and policing, enhancing community relationships, and promoting diversity in the policing profession. A national outreach campaign and website will also be established to create a space to engage the policing field and share resources to support agencies in enhancing connections with their communities.

Project Resources

Project Publications

Coming soon

Staff Contact(s)

Dominique-Burton-photo_250x310color-e1634701823470

Dominique Burton

Project Associate

Hannah McManus

Hannah McManus, PhD

Director

Media Contact

Media inquiries should be directed to our Communications team at:

media@policinginstitute.org
202-833-1460

More Information

Project Status: Active

Project Period:ย  October 2022 - September 2024

Location(s): National

Staff Contact(s)

Dominique-Burton-photo_250x310color-e1634701823470

Dominique Burton

Project Associate

Hannah McManus

Hannah McManus, PhD

Director

Media Contact

 

Media inquiries should be directed to our Communications team at:

media@policinginstitute.org
202-833-1460