ECPD Apology and Statement of Values

Dear members of the Emerson community,

Proudly, Emerson College Police Department (ECPD) leadership joined with members of the Emerson community as signatories to the Emerson Community Equity Statement, thereby affirming ECPD’s commitment, along with the College, to creating a culture of equity and anti-racism at Emerson. 

Both Chief Smith and I stated at the January 29 meeting with BIPOC students that the incident regarding a Blue Lives Matter flag screen-saver, displaying intermittently on a computer screen visible within the department, was addressed promptly and removed once it was brought to ECPD leadership’s attention. We also stated an apology to anyone who, as a result of witnessing this symbol, felt that the Emerson College Police Department was not a trusted and supportive arm of the College, especially those members of our BIPOC community. We also apologize to any student who, at the time, or currently, did/does not feel safe or protected in reaching out to ECPD for help and support. We re-affirm these statements again today.

We committed to issuing a formal statement of our values:

The Emerson College Police Department is committed to working with all members of the Emerson Community to create a safe and secure campus environment, one that ensures the protection and well-being of our students, faculty, staff and visitors and one that supports the educational mission of the College. We will do this by:

• Having and showing respect for all members of our community,
• Operating with integrity by valuing truth, honesty, and the highest ethical standards to earn the community’s trust,
• Appreciating the diversity of our community,
• Demonstrating professionalism, accountability, and competence in our approach to public and community safety.

Shortly, we will commence a review of ECPD, Re-imagining the Roles and Responsibilities of the Emerson College Police Department, together with community members – faculty, staff, and students – where we seek to further define the mission, vision and values of ECPD to better support our community and our College.

Paul Dworkis, Vice President for Administration and Finance
Robert Smith, Chief of the Emerson College Police Department