August 18, 2015 – Our keynote speaker this week was Charleston Police Chief Greg Mullen. As most of you know, Chief Mullen was appointed Chief of Police of the Charleston Police Department on October 2, 2006. Upon retiring from the Air Force veteran after 22 years of service, he began his law enforcement career as a Special Agent with the Air Force Office of Special Investigations. Three years later he joined the Virginia Beach Police Department, rising through the ranks to Deputy Chief of Police.
One of the current challenges facing law enforcement is the prevalence of cell phones equipped with cameras. As we all know, cell phone videos have proliferated online, social media websites are inundated with videos thereby provoking questions about law enforcement behavior. When asked how his office has responded to this issue, Chief Mullen stated that his officers have been instructed to serve in a fair and impartial manner. He stressed the fact that it is not just about law enforcement anymore, but rather the focus of policing services is to promote livability and to create community partners.
During his tenure as the Charleston Police Chief, he has implemented a number of strategic changes throughout the organization that have resulted in crime reduction, excellence in policing, and community support and outreach. Chief Mullen stated that one of his primary objectives is to build communities to trust, wherein his organization strengthens and nurtures existing community relationships as well as builds upon new relationships. The Charleston Police Department, at the direction of Chief Mullen, has implemented several outreach services to help nurture adults and children within the local community. And several programs have been created wherein law enforcement officers interact with members of the local community on a regular basis. For example, there is a lunch buddy program and several mentoring programs. Friday Night Lights program, which is a recreational outreach program consisting of games, sports, movies and more at the county parks, has been very successful. Probably the most prevalent of the mentoring programs is Camp Hope, for which several community leaders, including our very own President Paul Stoney, worked with the Charleston Police Department to develop and implement the program. Camp Hope allows members of the local community to see and experience local law enforcement officer on a first-hand basis. In addition, Camp Hope allows local community members to meet numerous role models and leaders with the local community. Chief Mullen has developed as curriculum as part of Camo Hope to inform and educate local community members on various social and individual responsibilities. Chief Mullen shared a story about an 8-year old boy who participated in Camp Hope and was recently interviewed by the local media to discuss his participation in and experience with Camp Hope. Initially Chief Mullen was concerned about what might transpire, as no one knows what a child is going to say. Needless to say, Chief Mullen was very grateful (and humbled) to hear the child say that “the Police are like family.” While this is one of many stories shared by Chief Mullen, it clearly demonstrates that his efforts are making a difference and his organization is building communities of trust.
Chief Mullen is known to advocate for changing laws that target violent, repeat offenders. His previous efforts were instrumental in the enactment of a warrantless search requirement and emergency bond hearing procedures for violent offenders. Unlike property enhancement crimes, there is no enhancement for certain gun charges. Chief Mullen is currently advocating for tougher legislation for repeat violent offenders, including no bond.
The most recent challenge faced by Chief Mullen and the Charleston Police Department was the horrific tragedy that took place in the Emanuel AME Church on June 17, 2015. Chief Mullen credited the relationship with the local community as being the main reason for his organization’s success in responding to this event. He stated that his organization cannot be successful without the support from the local community or without the local community being engaged with his organization. He stated that the three things the local community can do is: (1) communicate with the Charleston Police Department; (2) share information with the Charleston Police Department; and (3) give feedback (positive or negative) to the Charleston Police Department. Chief Mullen encouraged everyone to attend the community meetings and to get to know the officers in our community. He requested that members of the local community follow Humans of CPD on Facebook in an effort for us to learn the names and faces of the law enforcement officer in our local community. In light of the recent happenings in Charleston and around the nation, Chief Mullen explained that the Charleston Police Department has implemented active shooter training, including a school response team, as well as procedures and protocol for providing support to officers and crime scene technicians in coping with critical incidents, including a critical support team.
— Abe Gutting, Keyway Committee