MPD and Georgetown Law Unveil Police for Tomorrow Fellowship Program
June 5, 2017
The Metropolitan Police Department, Georgetown University Law Center and Mayor Bowser’s D.C. Government Certified Public Managers Program are pleased to announce the Police for Tomorrow Fellowship Program, believed to be the first program of its kind in the nation.
The Program will prepare fellows to become leaders in putting innovative policing ideas into practice in the District of Columbia and beyond.
Selected in May, the Program’s inaugural 19 fellows include sworn and civilian staff who are are just beginning their careers with the Metropolitan Police Department. Starting June 5, fellows will embark on a two-year program to include monthly, in-depth workshops and participation in regular community engagement activities. Fellows also will participate in a one-on-one mentoring program with MPD leaders, and develop a capstone project in consultation with, and in service to, a local community organization or group of community members.
Guided by leading experts in policing and related topics, fellows will explore issues crucial to effectively and impartially serving the Washington, D.C. community. Topics will range from the District’s unique history and demographics, to better understanding youth, to the impact of race on policing and the criminalization of poverty.
The development of the Program’s curriculum is being led by Georgetown Law professors Rosa Brooks, Paul Butler, Christy Lopez, Kristin Henning and Shon Hopwood, who have deep expertise in police reform, criminal justice and racial justice. All Police for Tomorrow Fellows who complete the program will receive a Certificate from Georgetown University Law Center’s Program on Innovative Policing to formally recognize their achievement.
Georgetown Law Dean William M. Treanor said: “We are excited to work with the next generation of police leadership in our city through a groundbreaking program we believe will benefit the entire community. This is a unique opportunity for fellows to build critical connections and thoughtfully explore some of the toughest issues confronting both the police and the community members they serve.”
Metropolitan Police Department Chief of Police Peter Newsham said: “The aim of this program is not only to strengthen our officers’ credentials and experience, but also the bond we have with the communities we serve. Understanding the context of where we’ve come from as an agency and where we’re going is invaluable to our force’s future.”