September 11. Rodney King. George Floyd. Uvaldi. Tree of Life Synagogue. January 6. Each brings up strong emotions that shape our expectations for safety, security, and justice. Daily news stories and stark images often stoke fear or anger and challenge our views about the proper role of law enforcement in our society.
What are our responsibilities to ensure the safety and security of our communities? How can we ensure justice for both victims and accused offenders alike? Can we reconcile the images of brutal police encounters with the heroic acts of valor and kindness that often go unseen?
Come join us for an enlightening discussion of the role of law enforcement in a changing world led by two highly experienced leaders who have more than 100 years of combined experience in law enforcement at the national and local level.
Dr. Bernard (Barney) Melekian most recently served as the Interim Police Chief in Santa Barbara, and before that, Assistant Executive Officer for Public Safety in Santa Barbara County and the Undersheriff for Santa Barbara County. He also served as Chief of Police for the City of Pasadena and served as the Director of the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) under Attorney General Eric Holder. He holds a Ph.D. in Policy, Planning and Development from the University of Southern California. His doctoral project on Values-Based Discipline in Law Enforcement Organizations received the Sol Price award for the best dissertation in 2012.
Tom Parker served as Assistant Special Agent in Charge (deputy chief) of the Los Angeles FBI Regional Office – the FBI’s second largest field office. During his 24-year FBI career he led high-profile cases around the country, including the investigation into rampant corruption in the Narcotics Division of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, and the FBI investigation into the Rodney King Matter involving the LAPD. He received more than twenty commendations for valor, managerial excellence, and investigative achievements. He holds a B.A. in Administration of Justice from San Jose State University, and a M.A. in Public Safety Management from the University of St. Thomas.
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