In episode 026, we discussed the pioneering work of the Ethical Society of Police (ESOP) in promoting equity, diversity, and accountability in law enforcement. Our special guest, Sgt. Donnell Walters, the President of ESOP, talked about positive policing, community engagement, and how ESOP addressed race-based discrimination. We also heard about Sgt. Walters' 20 years of service and dedication to building relationships between law enforcement and the community. This episode tacked mental health, public policy, and complex community and law enforcement conversations.
If you missed it, visit our website for more information about Moses People Speak and to watch this and previous episodes.
Don't build bridges, build mountains.
Sgt Walters, President of the Ethical Society of Police, provides a powerful message to America in • Moses' People Speak, challenging us to think systematically with this message. Watch below.
Breaking the Silence_ Black Men_ Mental Health_ and the Stigma
Sgt. Walters highlights that black men tend to prioritize physical health over mental health and avoid seeking help for mental health issues due to societal expectations of masculinity. He emphasizes that it's essential to break this stigma and encourages men to discuss and seek help for their mental health issues openly.
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Sgt Donnell Walters is the current president of the Ethical Society of Police and part of the Community Engagement and Recruitment Unit for the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, which he has served since 2002. Sgt. Walters believes in positive policing, which involves communicating and interacting with people. He serves to foster relationships between officers and the community.
More about the Ethical Society of Police (https://esopstl.org/)
Ethical Society of Police (ESOP) was founded in 1972 by African-American police officers to address race-based discrimination. We work to cultivate and maintain police/community relations, increase diversity within police departments, and enhance accountability and professionalism in law enforcement. Both locally and nationally, we advocate for reforms to make police departments more equitable and representative of the communities they serve and provide an honest perspective at the intersection of black and blue.
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About the author
Terry Watson is a professional speaker, author, and trainer specializing in disability equity in education, racial justice, and law enforcement. Mr. Watson has more than 15 years of working in higher education. He is the founder of Strategies for Justice, the host of Moses' People Speak, and the author of the award-winning book Welcome to the Sick Mind of a Sane Person: Deconstructing Racism and White Supremacy.