John,
Today marks the 20th anniversary of LEAP's founding.
We've spent twenty years fighting for justice, advocating for policies that are more equitable, and making sure public safety -- not punitive policy -- is at the forefront of policing.
Founded by five police officers on March 16, 2002, the organization then known as Law Enforcement Against Prohibition was a true grassroots operation. The original faces of LEAP, Captain Peter Christ (Ret.) and Lieutenant Jack Cole (Ret.), had a vision: a group of law enforcement speakers who could articulate the devastating harms of the War on Drugs. A group that could drive change, educate the public, and make communities safer and less afraid of the police.
In some ways, we've evolved into a new organization. In 2017, we became the Law Enforcement Action Partnership, addressing a broader scope of justice system issues that stem from the War on Drugs. But we never wavered from our ultimate goal of creating safer, stronger communities by shrinking the footprint of the justice system. And in 2020, we met the moment that this organization was built to address. As the American policing crisis exploded, LEAP forged ahead with a clear message: now is the time for accountability and transparency in policing. Now is the time to think about public safety from a new perspective. Now is the time to listen to our communities -- to be law enforcement validators, uplifting the needs of the people we serve. We need to build a new way forward together. Now is the time.
LEAP is ready for this moment. Over the years, our team has grown. What began as five police officers with a vision is now a speakers bureau more than 300 law enforcement experts strong; an impressive board of directors leading the organization forward; a dedicated and driven staff with diverse areas of expertise; and thousands of supporters whose partnership makes our work possible.
Today, we honor our roots. We honor those five visionary officers, and all of the incredible law enforcement speakers who joined us in those early days, when speaking out for legalization and regulation was seen as cutting edge. The staff who've fueled the organization's engine over the years, keeping the work going through difficult times and guiding us to incredible achievements. The board, who've led with unwavering commitment to our mission. And my predecessors as executive director, Major Neill Franklin (Ret.) and Lieutenant Jack Cole (Ret.), both of whom led the organization with a true passion for the work that inspires me every day.
Please join us later today for two Facebook Live events, where we will be answering some of LEAP's most frequently asked questions: -
Executive Director Lt. Diane Goldstein (Ret.), and Executive Board Member and leader of LEAP UK Det. Sergeant Neil Woods (Ret.) will appear today at 4:30 pm ET to start the conversation. -
At 7pm ET, former executive director Major Neill Franklin (Ret.) will join Lt. Goldstein to continue answering our most frequently asked questions on the most pressing issues in policing and justice reform and how LEAP got to where we are today. -
Diane, Neill and Neil will also be answering questions until 4pm ET on Twitter @PoliceForReform -- if you have any lingering questions about LEAP's work, now is the time to ask! -
In the meantime, enjoy a look back at history in the making with some of our most memorable moments: LEAP's Greatest Hits. Thank you for standing with us over the years. This is a milestone moment, and we couldn't be more grateful for your partnership. |
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