Annual Brandl Program: "The Uncommon Search for Common Ground"

Panelists:

• John Harrington, Commissioner, Minnesota Department of Public Safety
• Matt Bostrom, former Sheriff, Ramsey County, Minnesota
• Booker Hodges, Assistant Commissioner, Minnesota Department of Public Safety

Program Agenda:

• Welcome: John Hinderaker, President, Center of the American Experiment
• Presentation of Speakers: Laura Bloomberg, Dean, Humphrey School of Public Affairs
• Remarks: John Harrington, Commissioner, Minnesota Department of Public Safety
• Response: Matt Bostrom, former Sheriff, Ramsey County, and Booker Hodges, Assistant Commissioner, Minnesota Department of Public Safety
• Q&A with Kate Cimino, Executive Director, Citizens League
• Closing: Jane Leonard, President, Growth & Justice

Law enforcement in America is controversial. Is it just? Is it little more than a repressive apparatus, subjecting the vulnerable and the afflicted to the norms of the ruling class in the cause of maintain “white privilege?"

Police derives from the Greek word for city - “polis,” which came to embrace the idea of political community. In Latin, this became the ‘res publica,’ which gave rise to “republic.” Policing is part of building and maintaining community.

This was recognized by the founder of modern police forces, Sir Robert Peel. When launching the first police force, the London Metropolitan Police, Sir Robert issued ethical principles to direct the application of police power in the community. He insisted that the police are the community and the community the police.

What we must do to enhance community and to police effectively depends on our insights into human nature – is our species congenitally good or evil, or both at once? Human nature – good or bad – guides both members of the community and the sworn officers of every police force. What kind of character is needed for good policing in America today? What kind of character is needed for our citizens to be fair and just with one another?

The event will be recorded.