Retracing the Historic 54-Mile Civil Rights Walk
In the summer of 2020, three police leaders retraced the steps of the historic civil rights march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama. Drs. Tarrick McGuire, Obed Magny, and Shon Barnes used their journey to reflect on what it means to be Black men and police leaders in the United States. Their experience is captured in a 17-minute film that calls for collective action to enhance community-police relations.
NATIONAL POLICING INSTITUTE
Building a National Initiative
We’re answering the film’s call to action by building a national initiative to support safe and just policing that is built upon collaboration and respect between the police and community members.
GOALS OF THE 54TH MILE POLICING PROJECT
Who Are We?
The National Policing Institute (NPI), is an independent, nonpartisan, and nonprofit research and training institute committed to addressing policing’s most complex challenges through evidence-informed, innovative solutions. By translating research and lessons learned into practice, NPI assists law enforcement organizations in adopting and adapting the most effective programs, resources, and tools available to serve their communities. Learn more at policinginstitute.org.
NPI is proud to collaborate with the Department of Justice, Office of Justice Program’s Bureau of Justice Assistance on the 54th Mile Policing Project. In collaboration with the co-creators of the 54th Mile Policing Project and a Steering Committee of leading subject matter experts, NPI is developing innovative training to enhance police leaders’ understanding of the history of policing in the United States, support engagement in conversations on race and policing, and inform strategies for community-police collaboration.
Project Co-Creators
Dr. Tarrick McGuire
Dr. McGuire is a leading authority on community-police relations, evidence-based policing, police reform, and public policy.
Dr. Shon F. Barnes
Dr. Barnes is a nationally recognized leader in crime reduction and community-police relations.
Dr. Obed Magny
Dr. Obed Magny is the Founder and CEO of Magny Leadership, a management consulting company.
Steering Committee
“A DEMOCRACY cannot thrive where power remains unchecked and justice is reserved for a select few. Ignoring these cries and failing to respond to this MOVEMENT is simply not an option — for PEACE cannot exist where JUSTICE is not served.” — John Lewis
What's Next?
The development of the 54th Mile Policing Project Training for police leaders is underway. This 16-hour (2-day) course is designed to enhance leaders’ understanding of the history of policing in the United States, support engagement in conversations on race and policing, and inform strategies supporting relationship-building and meaningful collaboration with the communities they serve.
The 54th Mile Team will seek two police agencies to participate in a training pilot in the summer of 2025. Follow our work to stay up to date on training opportunities in the Fall of 2025.
“As I think about the future of The 54th Mile Project, my hope is that it can be a roadmap, a way for police leaders, executives, community members to come together. To move forward and understand how we hold each other accountable so that we can reach our goals of a more fair and just society. Not just in your community but our society as a whole.”
Dr. Shon F. Barnes
Co-Creator of the 54th Mile Policing Project
Stay Connected!
We’re just getting started! There will be much more to share in the coming months.
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