Watertown Chief Attends 21st Century Policing Briefing in D.C.

WATERTOWN, MA – Watertown Police Chief Michael Lawn attended a 21st Century Policing Briefing in Washington, D.C. last week.

The July 18 meeting was the fourth in a series of conferences hosted by the White House regarding the proposals set forth by the president's 21st Century Policing task force.

"My hope is that it's been useful in giving you some tools and best practices to give you a sense of how
departments on the cutting-edge are using data to train officers and engage with the community," President
Obama said at the event, according to a press release. "We also are hopefully hearing from you about what you've learned in your experience works and doesn't work, and where the federal government can partner with your departments and state and local law enforcement officers across the country to do even better."

More than 150 law enforcement officials attended last week's meeting; Lawn was joined by Belmont Police Chief Richard McLaughlin and Maynard Police Chief Mark Dubois.

The task force on 21st Century Policing was established in 2014 to pinpoint law enforcement practices that would effectively reduce crime while building community trust. Its findings were released in a May 2015 report.

"This training allowed police leaders from across the country the forum to exchange thoughts, perspectives and ideas on the president's Report on 21st Century Policing," Lawn said in a press release. "It was a privilege to be part of the conversation on where policing in America is heading in our future."

• Photo (L-R): Belmont Police Chief Richard McLaughlin, Maynard Police Chief Mark Dubois and Watertown Police Chief Michael Lawn

Photo submitted by Watertown PD