Chief needs teamwork to achieve trust, change
During my two decades in law enforcement with the Detroit Police Department, I experienced some of the most rewarding and heartbreaking moments in my life.
These moments define who I am today, influence who I aspire to become, and, perhaps most importantly, help to illustrate the kind of leader I will be as the next police chief for the city of Columbus.
I have had the privilege of forging long-lasting connections with neighborhoods and communities — groups and individuals — to build bridges of understanding and support between residents and the police. These bonds are key to opening channels for dialogue and partnership, and they will ultimately serve as the basis for effective community policing in the 21st century.
But I have also seen tragedy up close in ways that will never diminish with the passage of time — from the murder of a beloved colleague to the horrific death of a toddler in a drive-by shooting.
Sadly, far too many families are grappling with similar tragedies, with similar trauma, and the trajectory of their lives will be forever altered by the crushing impact of calamitous loss.
Senseless acts of violence are shocking, they are devastating and they always exact a deep and punishing emotional toll. But they also inform my passion and purpose as a peace officer. They reaffirm my calling to service, my commitment to community and my overarching aspiration to be a positive force for change.
I have encountered many obstacles throughout my journey — some because of my gender, some because of my race and some for entirely different and unforeseen circumstances. I do not let any obstacles stand in my way. I will continue to do what I have always done and hit the ground running when I arrive in Columbus.
Our first order of business is clear: As a division and a community, we must establish trust. We cannot tackle the most pressing issues facing Columbus without trusting one another and embracing opportunities for cooperation.
We have a lot of work to do — not only in restoring trust but also in changing cultures, dismantling the legacy of racism, increasing diversity in our ranks and restoring neighborhood safety.
No individual can or should bear the responsibility of this work alone. Everyone must have a seat at the table. We need every voice to be part of the conversation. Columbus demands and deserves an all-hands-on-deck undertaking to achieve a lasting difference.
We cannot arrest our way out of crime. All of us — police officers, residents, faith leaders, business owners, elected officials and the media — must wrap our arms around these daunting challenges to stem the tide of violence, bring criminals to justice and improve accountability across the board.
It is incredibly humbling and exciting to serve as your next police chief.
I look forward to getting to know so many of you personally as we build the coalition that will move this community toward a brighter future. No matter the challenge, you will never get less than my best.
Elaine R. Bryant is a 21-year veteran of the Detroit Police Department, where she served in multiple capacities, including patrol, investigations, administration and, most recently, as deputy chief of police. On June 2, Mayor Andrew J. Ginther announced Bryant will be the first African American woman to serve as police chief of Columbus.