The organization was founded in 1976, during a three day symposium to address crime in urban low income areas. The symposium was attended by 60 top-ranking black law enforcement executives from 24 states and 55 major cities. They exchanged views about the high rate of crime in black urban communities and the socioeconomic conditions that lead to crime and violence, as well as relevant issues such as fairness in the administration of justice (or the lack thereof), strained police/community relations, the hiring and promotion of black police officers, and the unique problems faced by black police executives and black police officers in general.
Recognizing that black law enforcement executives could more effectively impact the criminal justice system through a unified voice, the symposium participants departed from the planned agenda to create NOBLE.
The NOBLE Purpose
To unify Black law enforcement Officers at executive and command levels;
To conduct research in relevant areas of law enforcement;
To establish linkages and liaisons with organizations of similar concern;
To evaluate and recommend legislation relating to the criminal justice process;
To establish effective means and strategies for dealing with racism in the field of criminal justice;
To develop communication techniques for sensitizing police executives, police officers, institutions, and agencies int he criminal justice system to the problems of the black community;
To develop mechanisms that will facilitate the exchange of information among black police executives;
To articulate the concerns of Black Executives in law enforcement.
GUIDING PRINCIPLES
Respect: Law enforcement must be respectful of the rights of all persons.
Uncompromising integrity: NOBLE will conduct its business according to ethical standards of law enforcement.
Courage of convictions: NOBLE will be proactive in addressing issues of controversial law enforcement policies and practices.
Accountability: NOBLE promotes the principle of mutual accountability between the criminal justice system and the community.
Community: The community must be an integral part of the criminal justice system, with particular attention being given to criminal justice issues that affect the African American community.
Value Diversity: NOBLE promotes the value of diversity at all levels throughout the criminal justice system.
Mentoring: NOBLE members are committed to mentoring as a way of life.
South Jersey NOBLE, P.O. Box 965, Bellmawr, New Jersey 08099 - All rights reserved Webmaster
