A Special Message from the Director

Dear Friends and Colleagues of the Ashland Culture of Peace Commission,

The unveiling of the "Peace Officer" initiative took place today (May 8, 2019) and I would like to share this experience with you as there is deeper learning taking place here.

The Ashland Police Department (APD) and Ashland Culture of Peace Commission (ACPC) developed this initiative with the inspiration and guidance of Police2Peace. This is not just a cute, interesting, or "rad" thing to do, it has a real impact.

When I learned about the Police2Peace program from founder Lisa Broderick and then talked with Chief Tighe O'Meara about it, I could see how embracing the Peace Officer designation can enhance Ashland's intention of more fully becoming a City of Peace and manifesting a Culture of Peace. This is simple, practical, and research-based. To me, this also carries the power of the expression, "As you think, so you become". Co-creating a Culture of Peace is about mindset and behavior. It is a choice.

The following is from the Police2Peace website:

"By introducing the phrase PEACE OFFICER alongside the existing markings on public safety vehicles, Police2Peace has helped numerous departments improve their community policing efforts to create more peaceful, compassionate and trusting communities"

"Results show that this small gesture is proving to be an innovative way to spark a paradigm shift for departments who are proactive in their efforts and are looking for diverse ways to reach their citizens."

"Communication is not about what we say. Instead, much of our communication is nonverbal. It’s in the subtleties of the tone of our voice, our expressions, and our body language. But most importantly it’s about where we’re coming from that allows us to effectively communicate with others.

How we think about things and how we speak are well studied by researchers. Police2Peace is using this science to prove that we can stimulate more meaningful interactions that bring communities together."

Working with researchers at NYU and UCLA a community survey was conducted in Ashland which recently concluded. As of today, the Peace Officer designation is now being put on all APD cars and motorcycle   After the Peace Officer name has been on for a couple of months, a second community survey will be conducted to assess what attitude, perception and belief changes have taken place. This further enhances the significant community relationship building Chief O'Meara and his department have engaged in. More to come.

This is a national program and if you are interested in learning more, please contact Lisa Broderick at lbroderick@police2peace.com. 

Thank you, Onward!

David

David Wick
Executive Director
Ashland Culture of Peace Commission