Wellesley Police Chief Meets With President Obama

Wellesley, MA – Wellesley Police Chief Terrence Cunningham was among a group of law enforcement leaders who met with President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden Monday to discuss practices for building trust between police and their communities.

During the meeting, the president and vice president thanked law enforcement for their service and offered condolences for those lost in the line of duty. They also spoke at length with representatives from various national law enforcement organizations, including International Association of Chiefs of Police President Cunningham, on subjects ranging from the recommendations laid out by the 21st Century Policing Task Force to de-escalation tactical training.

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Both the president and vice president emphasized the importance of this collaboration; the aim is to find solutions for enhancing public safety and reducing tensions between law enforcement and the communities they serve.

More meetings are expected to follow.

Neil Eggleston, assistant and counsel to the president and Cecilia Muñoz, assistant to the president and director of the Domestic Policy Council, were also on hand during the meeting. In addition to Cunningham, the following law enforcement leaders were present:

· Sheriff Mike Chapman, Loudon County, VA, Major Counties Sheriffs’ Association

· William Johnson, Executive Director, National Association of Police Organizations

· Chief Tom Manger, President, Major Cities Chiefs Police Association

· Jim Pasco, Executive Director, Fraternal Order of Police

· Gregory A. Thomas, National President, National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives

· Jonathan Thompson, Executive Director, National Sheriffs' Association

· Tom Wilson, Director of Applied Research, Police Executive Research Forum

Photo via Wellesley Police Department