Ep 19: Police Reform with Edwin Raymond

Police Reform with Edwin Raymond

Episode 19: Show Notes.

Although the issue of police brutality and racial profiling has been prevalent for decades, in many ways, 2020 will be remembered as the year in which the levee broke. On the show with us today is Edwin Raymond, someone who is positioned better than anyone to speak on the systems of law enforcement, the problems we see, the limitations on officers, and the action that is needed on so many levels to course-correct.

Having grown up in and around the most dangerous parts of New York City, Edwin was on the receiving end of police harassment and profiling, but when he encountered a family friend who was in the force, his strict moral compass implored him to try and fix the problems from the inside — he became a police officer himself.

Edwin admits to a level of naïveté and hopefulness that was whittled down over time. From monthly quotas and the targeting of lower-income communities to the systemic racism that is deeply rooted in the history of policing, Edwin's efforts to combat injustice in the police department did more to ostracize him than change practices. In our conversation with Edwin, we hear the path that he took in response to what might have appeared a hopeless scenario, speaking out and publicizing the rampant problems facing society through policing practices.

His goal of meaningful reform might still be far off, but Edwin has sacrificed extensively, committing career suicide and widely being labelled as a rat within the ranks of the NYPD. We hear about his initiative with Jim St. Germain, Preparing Leaders of Tomorrow (PLOT), his recent forays into politics and what it means to swim against the current for change. For all this and a vital story from a fearless warrior, be sure to listen in with us today!

Key Points From This Episode:

Edwin's childhood love of drawing and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
Experiences growing up in the projects, close to 'The Front Page'.
Family life for Edwin, the death of his mother at a young age, and his father's depression.
Edwin and his brother's fear of the weekend and the associated feelings of hunger.
The Abner Louima brutality case and how Edwin struggled to process this reality.
Getting work at a grocery store at the age of 12; staying out of gang activity and crime.
Edwin's internal moral compass from a young age and his conception of right and wrong.
Career aspirations, dreams of architecture, and increasing harassment by police during adolescence.
The impactful experience that Edwin had meeting a cop who he knew.
Reading material that Edwin started to consume at the end of his teenage years.
Edwin's thoughts on destiny, autonomy, and his personal mission.
Connecting with Eric Adams; how this relationship aided and supported Edwin's mission.
The resistance that Edwin encountered upon entering the police force.
Examples of the quotas, tactics and 'broken window policing' employed by law enforcement.
The beginnings of the Preparing Leaders of Tomorrow project!
The adverse effects that standing up to authority had on Edwin's sleep, mental health, and personal life.
Going public and becoming the face of the battle against the broken police system.
The hidden insights on the police force that Edwin has gained.
Making peace with death and overcoming mortal fear to reach freedom.
The role of the whistle-blower; Edwin's experiences at work after speaking out.
Edwin's involvement in the Crime and Punishment documentary.
Positive responses and interactions that Edwin has shared with other police officers.
Edwin's adjustment to fame and being recognized for his work.
Thoughts on the most effective ways to create systemic change.
A real-life example of how police quotas can completely ruin people's lives.
Edwin's focus on promoting reading and the sharing of important stories.
Steps into politics — Edwin's decision to run for office.
How Edwin defines success for himself: health and wellness!