Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs with Chief Counsel Titus
Our approach is simply to “keep it real.” We are optimistic and positive thinkers, yet we are not social workers, pundits or academics – all valued contributors. We bring real world “boots on the ground” leadership experience from our human rights, law enforcement and homeland security work, rather than idealistic or theoretical solutions to police-community problem solving. We are balanced and flexible.
We do not view ourselves as “competitors” with offices that provide similar services. Instead, we take a collaborative and collegial approach, one that is helpful to our colleagues across the country who share our passion to help build lasting police-community partnerships.
We do believe that very few, if any, organizations bring to the table the real world experience that we offer – experience that includes having served as the first Human Rights Director of two municipalities; the first civilian police executive for a major statewide police department, in charge of building award-winning police-community partnerships; federal experience with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security; expertise in crisis management and conflict resolution; an attorney with a half-dozen academic degrees across several disciplines, as well as practical experience having served on a municipal Police Civilian Oversight Board.
But if municipal and county executives feel that they can find a better fit for their respective community, we fully support their decision and we will be glad to help them succeed in the spirit of collegiality.
Each contract is separately negotiated. The reality is that some municipalities will prove more labor-intensive and challenging than others, perhaps due to the size of the municipality, political dynamics, and other factors that influence costs.
We are not invested in this line of work motivated solely by financial gain. We will never turn down a struggling community that needs our help and expertise solely because their budget makes it impossible to pay our asking fees.
In keeping with the law, attorneys are only allowed to provide legal advice and representation in jurisdictions where they are licensed to practice law. Accordingly, we can only provide legal advice and/or representation in the District of Columbia.
While we do not provide legal services outside of our jurisdiction, we are able to utilize our experience spanning over two decades in municipal, state and federal government to help our local government clients problem solve and recognize inconsistencies within prospective policies and ordinances, such as those that establish authority for civilian oversight boards/commissions. We will help within our legal constraints.
We are advocates for police accountability and public trust, whatever form that might take. Civilian Police Oversight Boards/Commissions, when provided adequate resources and clear, consistent ordinances, can be an effective tool in building community trust. However, there are other models that may work better for the particular community and jurisdiction in question.
Notwithstanding our name – Police Oversight USA – we do not advocate for any particular approach or model. Each has its advantages and unique challenges. Our objective is to work with the prospective client to determine what model best suits their community.
Yes, we have over sixteen years of experience conducting and leading investigations both at the local and federal level, including but not limited to investigating law enforcement personnel. As one of our services, we offer municipalities independent, objective, confidential assistance with investigations and policy development.
Yes, having served with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for nearly a decade, the Chief Counsel held the proper clearance to manage information pertaining to national security.
While we certainly understand the frustrations and feelings of betrayal experienced by communities when police officers blatantly violate public trust, we do not support the call to defund the police. As stated in our core values, we believe that most police officers serve honorably, thus it would be wrong and counterproductive to distrust all police officers for the dishonor of a few.
Our vision at Police Oversight USA is not to dismantle the police, but rather to help build trustworthy policing in communities where leaders see a need for our services.
We welcome the opportunity to work with county government officials who feel that our services can benefit their respective communities.
Change is never easy within any organization, even when the proposed change is designed to make life easier for all parties concerned. Therefore, the most challenging aspect of our work is educating stakeholders – City Hall, Police Departments, Community Leaders – of the need for change, and gaining support for change – positive change.
In my 21-plus years experience in government at all levels, I have often observed that municipal and county executives, as well as police chiefs, may over time develop a “silo” mentality and thus become reluctant to accepting “outside help,” even when such help may be in the best interests of the communities they serve. Breaking through this mindset requires perseverance, patience and understanding, anticipating many unanswered emails when offering assistance.
Fortunately, many forward thinking municipal and county executives, including police chiefs, are receptive to external assistance and are thus welcoming to us. On the bright side, therefore, the most rewarding aspect of our work is seeing communities and police departments develop a mutually trusting relationship and form sustainable partnerships.
Police accountability is key to overall success. This is what communities mostly want from their respective police departments. It does not come easy or overnight, and there will always be hurdles to cross.
But if the commitment is there from all stakeholders, we can help lay a strong foundation for successful community policing and police oversight initiatives! We see the big picture and we are confident that good things can happen!
We will work with our clients in partnership to assess what their training needs are. Our approach is succinct, interactive and engaging. We do not subscribe to “death by power-point” presentations. Rather, we believe that the best learning comes from engaging the audience (class) and encouraging participation in real-life problem solving.
Our training can prove valuable in establishing police oversight bodies, independent police auditors, police ombuds offices, as well as establishing command level civilian offices within police departments. Regardless of the model, the shared objective is to strengthen community-oriented policing and help build bridges of trust between communities and law enforcement, rooted in accountability and transparency. That is our forte and our mission.