Hutchins PD joins National ABLE Project

HUTCHINS – The city of Hutchins Police Department announced their acceptance last week into the National Active Bystandership for Law Enforcement Project.

The ABLE Project is a training and support initiative from the Georgetown University Law Center.

According to Nick Cornelius, MPA, Assistant to the Hutchins City Administrator, this project consists of over 215 local law enforcement agencies statewide and national, and seeks to train law enforcement officers in methods that prevent misconduct and reduce harm.

“Joining this project reflects the Hutchins Police Department’s continuing commitment to safety and a positive culture,” Cornelius said in an email.

The Hutchins Police Department was accepted on June 6.

This national training and support initiative for U.S. law enforcement agencies is committed to building a culture of peer intervention that prevents harm by demonstrating a firm commitment to transformational reform with support from local community groups and elected leaders.

“Seeking inclusion to join the ABLE Project reflected important priorities for the Hutchins Police Department,” said City of Hutchins Police Chief Steve Perry.

The ABLE Project Backed is supported by prominent civil rights and law enforcement leaders.

Cornelius stated in a press release, “The evidence-based, field-tested ABLE Project was developed by Georgetown Law’s Center for Innovations in Community Safety in collaboration with global law firm Sheppard Mullin LLP to provide practical active bystandership strategies and tactics to law enforcement officers to prevent misconduct, reduce mistakes, and promote health and wellness.

“ABLE gives officers the tools they need to overcome the innate and powerful inhibitors all individuals face when called upon to intervene in actions taken by their peers.”

Those backing the Hutchins Police Department’s application to join the program included Dr. Cynthia Mickens-Ross from Path Way to Life Center of Hope Church, Pastor Scott Chadwick from the First Baptist Church of Hutchins, Mayor Mario Vasquez, and City Manager Jim Quin, who wrote letters of support.