REGION — The protests, a massive outcry against police brutality toward Black and Brown people, are ongoing. Reform is being legislated. Change is in the air. 

Fallsburg Police Chief Simmie Williams appeared at a Sullivan County Town Hall on June 15 to give his perspective as a law enforcement officer in  Sullivan County.

“The Town of Fallsburg is a melting pot,” he said. “We should be the example of what the right thing is to do.” 

That includes talking to each other—even to Williams himself. “I’m very comfortable having the conversation,” he said. “My door is open. What we need to do now is converse.” 

He notes that “there is deep racism embedded in this country. The police are in the spotlight now.” It will be some other group’s turn next as the country works through centuries’ worth of hatred and oppression. 

It’s not an easy time to live through, especially for people in law enforcement. Sullivan County DA Meagan Galligan and retired judge Frank LaBuda both had suggestions on ways to move forward. 

First, understand the role of police in the modern era. It’s not just about arresting criminals.

One thing to remember, said Galligan,  is that “police are often called up in mental health emergencies. One talked a person off a water tower.” Police are called in a crisis; psychotic breaks can be terrifying to both the family and to the person suffering.

Police are also “on the frontlines of the opioid crisis, they’re administering NARCAN.” And people with substance-abuse problems can refuse the treatment, so the officer “encourages people to get help,” Galligan said. 

Essentially, they’re taking the role of a counselor or social worker. Police, after all, are on duty all day and night. Sometimes they’re the only available source of help.

LaBuda, who spent almost 40 years as an ADA and judge, stressed that police “can’t be aloof… police interact with each community. Nobody should be aloof from the needs and sensitivities of the people they serve. Your cop on the beat is a public servant in his homeland.”

People worry that nobody official is monitoring law enforcement. Who guards the guards?  

“Every unit has its own mechanism for oversight,” Galligan said. “The DA’s office coordinates with police leaders,” but “the guys on the ground can tell you if someone is doing the right thing.” The county’s public safety committee oversees the sheriff’s office and probation, along with other responsibilities.

Echoing Williams, Galligan said, “If people want to know about my office, we’re available to talk.” 

What can be done besides talking?

Begin at the beginning. “Get involved in child development programs,” Galligan said. “Foster parenting is huge. Kids need a safe place to stay.” 

Besides that, “get to know your police officers. Encourage your children to be police officers. Become part of the community you live in,” she said.

“We should raise our children to be tolerant and respectful of different cultures, different traditions and different people,” LaBuda said. 

And, of course, there is voting; many law enforcement members are elected, like the district attorney and the county sheriff.  “The power to vote is a very important weapon for change. Use your vote, not a brick,” he said.

“We want all of the protests in the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s,” said Williams, “to not be in vain. We try to change and get it to where everyone does matter.”