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
About the BJA Award
Justice Today Podcast: The 54th Mile Policing Project
Blog Post: โThe 54th Mile Project: A 54-Mile, 58-Year Journey to Police Reformโ
Project Publications
Coming soon
Strategic Priority Area(s)
Service Area(s)
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Staff Contact(s)
Media Contact
Media inquiries should be directed to our Communications team at:
media@policinginstitute.org
202-833-1460
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More Information
Project Status: Active
Project Period:ย October 2022 - September 2024
Location(s): National
Strategic Priority Area(s)
Service Area(s)
Topic Area(s)
Staff Contact(s)
Media Contact
Media inquiries should be directed to our Communications team at:
media@policinginstitute.org
202-833-1460
Share