A Call for Neutrality in Law Enforcement
Jeff

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Jeff Wenninger

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A Call for Neutrality in Law Enforcement

Following the bond hearing for two Canton police officers charged in the death of Frank Tyson, discussions have sparked around the presence of numerous uniformed police officers —including members of the department leadership—attending in a show of support for their colleagues. Tyson died after being left handcuffed in a prone position, pleading for help. Body-worn camera footage shows officers disregarding his cries of “I can’t breathe,” raising critical concerns about the role of culture over training within law enforcement.

When uniformed officers attend these proceedings, it risks being seen by the public as a power play rather than a respectful show of support. It’s crucial to allow the judicial process to work without any undue influence or impression of bias.

Accountability and Public Representation

As I mentioned in my recent Election Day article, law enforcement officers are responsible for maintaining neutrality, both in action and appearance, particularly in public settings. A desire to support fellow officers is valid and meaningful, but it’s best done in civilian attire and on personal time.

Why? Because when officers align themselves with the accused in uniform, it undermines the overarching goal of neutrality and jeopardizes the trust we’re striving so hard to build with our communities.

Beyond Training – Changing Culture

As discussed in my recent article, “Police culture is undermining police use-of-force training and societal expectations,” the culture within law enforcement often overpowers policy and training. We need leaders willing to challenge these ingrained attitudes. A real commitment to empathy, moral reasoning, and self-awareness can help reshape the force to align with public expectations.

Neutrality, empathy, and accountability are cornerstones of modern, humane policing. These values must be championed by leadership at the top of law enforcement agencies, setting the tone for the entire organization. When officers see these principles modeled by their leaders, they are empowered to rebuild community trust and demonstrate integrity in every action they take.

Connect with me on social and let me know your thoughts.

About the Author

  • Jeff

    With over 33 years of law enforcement experience, Jeff Wenninger brings unmatched leadership and expertise as CEO of LEC. From crowd management to police use-of-force incidents, Jeff reimagines modern policing — offering dynamic solutions that drive results for public safety and legal teams alike. If you need a law enforcement expert witness or security consultant, Jeff and his team have the knowledge and experience that will make the difference! Schedule your free consultation below!

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On Election Day 2024, the need for a balanced and impartial approach in law enforcement is more evident than ever. This piece underscores the importance of moving beyond traditional political alignments to serve all citizens fairly. In an era where trust in policing is strained, prioritizing neutrality, transparency, and empathy is essential for bridging ideological divides and strengthening community relationships. With minimal college requirements in many departments and limited ongoing fitness standards, law enforcement must strive to meet society’s evolving expectations. By embracing a service-centered, nonpartisan approach, we can reimagine policing to align with values of fairness, professionalism, and respect for all.

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