John,
There’s no other way to begin this message than with “thank you.” My years as the Law Enforcement Action Partnership’s executive director have been some of the most meaningful and valuable of my life. I’ve met incredible people: reformers, community advocates, champions of human rights, and law enforcement experts who know there’s a better way. I’ve had the opportunity to work toward better policies, ones that I’ve truly believed in. Most importantly, I’ve been able to fight for real changes to policing, a profession that I care deeply about.
To me, the most important responsibility in policing is to keep our communities peaceful and safe. When we look back at this time in American history, it will be seen as a turning point – and LEAP is holding the key. I’m grateful to be a part of this one-of-a-kind organization and to stand with its outstanding board, staff, speakers, and partners – all of you. You are the source of LEAP’s strength. Our message gets heard because of you. I’m happy to report that we’re starting off 2021 stronger than ever. We successfully made – and exceeded – our $25,000 gift match. Those funds will help LEAP hit the ground running in a year when transforming policing is one of the most pressing issues our country is facing. We need to confront this broken system with hope for the future, knowledge that we can and should do better, and a willingness to listen and learn from each other. I know we can get where we need to be. And I know LEAP will lead us there. Today, I’m no longer LEAP’s executive director. That honor belongs to Lt. Diane Goldstein (Ret.), and I have all the faith in the world that she will take this organization to new heights in 2021. You’ll still be hearing from me: LEAP won’t get rid of me that easy! I'll continue serving on our Board of Directors as LEAP's treasurer. But this is my chance to say thank you, again, to all of you who’ve stood with us. Whether you’ve been here since 2002 or joined in the wake of George Floyd’s death last year, you knew things needed to change, and you joined us because you wanted to be a part of the solution. I’m proud to be counted among you as a part of the LEAP family. Thank you, 
Major Neill Franklin (Ret.)
Executive Board Member/Board Treasurer
Law Enforcement Action Partnership |
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