authorized deployment of another 250 troops to iraq, in addition to the troops we already have serving there to do for the training in counter id, deployment of engineers and

extension and public and to questions. how do you ensure that practice today?t persist i must say in my experience that no consciencey

decision of anybody to come and say the wrong thing to a select the house ofto parliament or westminster hall whatever that may be. there have been cases where we've seen over the last 12 months where it be an inquiry where ministers have said things that are not correct. there's no accusation of misleading or anything there. how do we ensure the ministers that come and represent the facts to the public and to us by the extension of the public are

absolutely saying the right thing? >> ministers should be. that.ave another look at the ministers giving the incorrect facts. i'm happy to do so. think your question really relates to is there is there --d there now be examples of where people have done the chain of command and requested and itities or equipment simply wasn't being supplied. that's the question that i've asked. i came in at the tail end of the example, when a lot of the equipment was being brought back. serve that, who pretty clear that certainly toward the end of the campaign got what they thought they need. restrictions any on the capabilities and on the provide. that was it is probably worth emphasizing that no force sets out with the perfect equipment each campaignnd

can be slightly different and know,quire a, you equipment to be slightly reset. calledwhy we have what's the urgent operational touirement that enables us reset equipment capabilities on relatively short notice to get treasury out of the and to be able to move quickly to upgrade or reset what was planned.y >> i don't think anybody is anyesting there's been intentional misleading of the committee. to explore is whether or not ministers would gaps inthere were at the outset, for example, a force was deployed. internalve the

, the things that you wish to make publish, do you ensure that you as secretary of state for defense the outsetld before before an operation begins we deficiencies in a particular area? >> yes, i'm reasonably confident that. yes, i'm reasonably confident about that. new chief of the military capability called milcap in our jargon making sure program rightort across defense. he's responsible not just support.t and i'm confidence that the current holder of the office would come me there there was some urgent capable that was not being provided in one of the our people are at risk at the moment in either or iraq.an

>> let's look at, for example, going back to the first part of discussions today. mainly very high readiness joint task forts. this is a party that would be intended to be put into the as the name implies in the of some hostile or aggressive moves to one of our allies. are you supplied and possibility i could bring the vice chief in at this point. are you supplied if that up andlar balloon went joint task force because of

developedncy that within the baltic states. you happy within the machine there would be people who could the power and inform the superiors what gaps there might be in the readiness the force to do what it is tasked to do in an emergency? the short answer to that is yes. satisfied that i would be informed of any concerns about that. overall requirement is important to emphasize is nato so the, you know, the decision to activate north atlantica council of the command and responsibilities lie the kind ofand the force is that deploy is really a

matter for nato. i'm pretty confident -- purpose is actually to toloy and not necessarily respond. the aim would be to get it there escalatingriod of tension in order to deescalate that tension and deter. capabilities are bringtely designed to with it a combat capability that's meaningful, that can pack and that can defend itself. game ofre in the responding, then we have the elements for the nature of the environment they might find themselves. we could do so as the secretary

of state said with nato to ensure the collective capability was enhanced. you absolutely satisfied if there are any gaps in the structures and in the formations capabilities that we know about? >> we have selected the capables. we're comfortable with the force element that goes and can pack defendnch and can itself. if the threat manifests, we looking to bolster the capability. >> if there was any deficiency fall, would it be something that you are satisfied have measuresdy in place to remedy? >> as you know there's a

robust programnd that's underway. that's being delivered with the view to the likely threats that -- that doesght competitors. assurance.you that >> according to chilcot the to.d. especially in relation support who are mobilized individually as a formed unit. i'm sure the duty of care is something on the government's agenda. was changed so the m.o.d. was able to support the families the outset of any future conflict.

>> the support to service improved since iraq. to ensure that members of the armed forces compared tovantaged other citizens when they go out on military service and in cases they get special consideration, especially those been injured or bereaved. has improved since the initial campaign in iraq. i think too there's better are injuries there or deaths in service. there's better support for the families that existed before the now alwaysficer is appointed to support the isilies from anybody who filled in action and act as a focus for their concerns.

officers are trained. there are a number of other specially in the capability of mental health services. there's better clinical knowledge and policy surrounding mild traumatic brain injury, for example. there's a mental health program before, andexist there's more welfare support and proper points of contact between the service, welfare stops and some of the wounded personnel home.ve returned i think we've learned a lot from the campaigns. improve the to service available to personnel. i think that was born out in the latter stages of the campaign in afghanistan. >> we've got just one more topic with the secretary of state.

is something on which the committee has been taking subcommitteeth the mersa who asksy the last question. >> thank you. it is essentially about the ihop the moment. the military contract is a thing.ic 17% of people think it works in the moment.t over half haven't heard it have. i think these things are fantastic. but we need to kind of change how we look at this stuff. we're putting into the system. which is lots and lots of things, but how the boat sits and what it means to them and how they can access the care. think, you know, once we change the way we look at these things, that's when we get a

difference in how we look after people who are going upon hardd may fall times. the ambulance chasers -- i don't expression. we also have allegations of and illkilling in iraq. by uk forces what needs to be done to ensure services and had to make hard decisions. i know you are warmed hard. the fact remains that we are still -- you know, the inquiry was set up by the commission. told one thing by the minister of defense that no soldier will hear from anyone

than an m.o.d. individual looking after them. we have hundreds of people get saying they threatened to arrest people going to old girlfriend's huhses. the impression is this is completely out of control of what is a government investigation. on my previous point. it is not a personal campaign. we then receive an awful lot of that points in the other way. it places it in quite a where we havetion to represent that. is there -- what is being done to maintain the fairness @ and women. me spend it your point. covenant is new. we have to make sure it is

working and more people are aware of it. it is important to me that branches of government or clinics or health trusts or big companies did abeid -- do abide by it. it is implemented on the ground. that continue to look at by stage. think it is important to step back a little bit. are obliged against the armed forces. escape them.

we have to do it. don't do it they will get investigatingin and made it clear that will and more likely. to my mind what is really to celebrate out the allegations that is being concocted and make sure have sources devoted to them. they are investigated properly. we know exactly what happened. personnelthe service are concerned, we provide assist them in what placeuired in the first

and then, of course, through a duty of care we offer further they aree where subject to specific allegations. no amount of training can protect a soldier against a allegation. it is still unfortunate has to looked at if see if there's any substance to it. wehink it is important that devote the right results to be able to deal with allegations that are manifesting force and of beinge any prospect stood up and that we deal with possible sockly as the team can settle the allegations. >> on that, can i ask you two questions. firstly why is france or the united states not having this particular problem? -- youondly with the know, nobody misses the points that we have to invest allegations.

of course we do. we are to uphold the standards that we sign up to and work achieve.rd to we need to do that. to accept it hard should bearple who the front of the servicemen and women in terms of how long it to investigation things, adopted by practices the ihop team, and the truth is there are many soldiers and officers up and down the land. not just privates and lance corporals, but commanding officers. if you are totally betrayed by the process. don't misunderstand the point that we must investigate allegations. does that not subject that something, somewhere has gone badly wrong? >> as far as other countries are concerned, i think the united states doesn't recognize the international criminal courts their armed forces are in a different position. reservation under

the application under the convention of human rights to its forces. in this country not to do that. theave chosen to abide by international obligations. had we done that, it might well have deterred a series of these clubs.lar i think it is important whether are incredible investigations into the conduct. i think the army would have to be investigateed. it is important that we clear clearlyse that quite can't be stood up. know, at the moment i believe there's been one summary

hearing as a result of the investigations into a series of cases. it may be very few of them can be substantiated. >> the prime and attorney trying to advance the course. there seems to be something own making if we have -- if we have found ourselves in the position of ornce and the united states any other our allies where we are asking our men and women at bottom of the chain to bare the brunt for a situation that ourselves have gotten into. >> we have subscribed to the international criminal court. advantage in that international machineries and bringing people to justice. benefits from being members on it. other countries, you know, took a different view. mr. watkins may want to add to that. >> i think it is an extremely complex situation.

of factors number that contribute to this. relatively late in rights.the human i think there's the nature of operations that we were involved with in iraq and in afghanistan. they were classic counterinsurgency operations. they involved a lot of contact the populous.h that provided opportunities for the number of cases that have turned out to be claims.ce certainly companies have taken

them asities given to well. >> if they are right and only a small proportion of the haveations are shown to substance and we have the notorious inquiry as a very good example of that. is there any plan within the proposalso develop that could be put up to try to protect our service personnel from what is clearly an organized effort by a small number of legal firms, themselvesch are under investigation for misconduct. which has this terrible individual's lives, often after they have left the service. >> there were proposals put which we were working to be able to, for example, better from theosts

unscrupulous law firms benefiting from the industry. we're bringing proposals for what i hope soon in the area to limit, for example, the time period so that actions can't be a certain point, which implies in other to ensure that those who are deployed in future from thisimmunity kind of prosecution. there's a package of proposals continuing to work on. finally unless you have any more. one final and very small but .ractical suggestion it is been brought to my isention that the ministry quite good at supporting service personnel even retired from the once charges have been brought.

they may feel the will to simplye what to do when approached out of the blue and told they are being subject to .nvestigation is there any one stop shop in form of a dedicated number that could the people who find themselves long after the event told they may face charges for conduct and that immediately ring any statements them.pproached if there's a number can it be highlighted on the web site and throughout the various support charities so personnel inervice particular who are approached and threatened with legal action

get in contactto advice sources before making any statements whatsoever. >> that's an important point. suggestion.xcellent i believe there is such a number. i'll go back to the ministry and such are if there's number it is properly publicized veterans who may be approached under the blue. they are anxious to try to recall. a very good suggestion. i'll take that back. >> forgive me. there's an understanding of looking after the people and helping them when they come to the situations. a fundamental part of the operations. this suggestion that's come basic.is extremely

if that hadn't been done, can the committee there's a real understanding that looking at the people is a fundamental part of performance on operations. >> absolutely. we have a duty of care to the people. i'm going to make sure that's demonstrated. >> may i thank all of the three witnesses today. a very comprehensive session. it is now concluded. order. "washington journal" in philadelphia for the democratic national convention. morning tom fitzgerald will preview the convention, which monday. then ed rendell will discussion what went into the 2016 democratic national convention in philadelphia.

and "philadelphia daily news" bunch, talkedl about the preparation, planned and the bernie sanders' movement. join us live this morning. >> attorney general loretta presented her holder, the eric leadership award at the annual conference. tensionsledged the between law enforcement and minority communities. minutes.bout 90 >> please step forward. >> the national organization of

black law enforcement executives' annual conference and opening for luminary session is now in session. tarrant: we now have the presentation of colors. please stand.

o'say can you see by the dawn's early light what so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming rockets red glare

air ombs bursting in ave proof through the night that our flag was still there. star-spangledt banner yet wave? o'er the land of the free and the home of the brave ♪

♪ we were the harmonies of iberty that is the sound of the rolling see this is the rising sound of a ew day be done let us march on, let us march on sing a song sing a song sing a song sing a song

sing a song we have come over o, we have come out of a gloomy path gleam is hadght brought us on our way thou who has by thy mind

into the guide wep us forever in the palm, pray lift our hearts drunk with the wine of the world we forget thee god, indeed, hold by hand, may we forever stand through to our landthrough to our native amen ♪ [applause]

>> i would now like to introduce our national chaplain, reverend dr. barbara williams. rev. williams-harris: let us pray. father, we thank you again that we are in this place to honor you. we thank you that we have come together to share, to learn, to

spend time with one another looking at our vision not just for today but for the future, and as we are here as a collective body to learn and to we pray for our brothers and sisters in the field. we pray for those in louisiana with what happened yesterday. not just for our fallen brothers, we pray for those their sideo stand by of those who grieve. we pray for those in every city, in every state. we pray for the people because we are called to justice. i ask you to bless each and every household that is represented here, and father, we thank you for the gift and abilities that you have placed in us to not only see the vision, not only write the

vision, but too implemented. and your name we pray, amen. good morning. it is my pleasure not to introduce you to a stalwart supporter of law enforcement in ineral and n.o.b.l.e. particular. worn in north carolina, loretta lynch went on to earn her degree from harvard law school and was a litigator before becoming a prosecutor in the u.s. ,ttorney's office in new york eventually making news as a senior prosecutor for the

polices 1997 were brutality case. she served as u.s. attorney under presidents bill clinton and in 2014bama, was nominated by president obama to be the u.s. attorney general, preceding the honorable eric holder. after a long delay, and i want inemphasize a long delay, april 2015, she was sworn in, thus becoming the first african-american woman to hold the position. toa personal note, i want introduce her as a longtime friend of mine and a colleague and a mentor, someone who has been supportive of the role i have had, more importantly, the role i have now as n.o.b.l.e. national president.

hear her on tv to be a calming voice, but she also has been very supportive of n.o.b.l.e. in general. when shethe table needed to be there to ensure that the voice of n.o.b.l.e. was there all the time and a loud voice when appropriate. it is my pleasure to introduce you a friend to n.o.b.l.e. and a foe to anybody who dares commit a crime in the united states of america. the honorable loretta lynch. [applause] ag lynch: good morning. please be seated, everyone. good morning. women it, this is n.o.b.l.e. isait a minute, this n.o.b.l.e. good morning! that is the n.o.b.l.e. i

know. for thehank greg introduction and his support and his friendship over the years. ofgory exemplifies the best theb.l.e., and he lives motto of his organization. we really could not have had a finer man to lead for the past year. ,e has set the ball very high very high for those who will come after him, but i know that this organization being n.o.b.l.e., there are those who see his example and are waiting to go even further. to me express my gratitude dwayne crawford also, friend and colleague for several years.

it is always good to be among friends. so particularly with friends who know that the goal that everyone profession wonderful of ours, this wonderful profession of law enforcement, the goal of everyone who takes an oath is to defend the right greatryone who calls this country home, everything will person, and that has been your motto and your mantra for years. as we know, the last few weeks have been difficult. they have been painful. they have been a painful reminder of how difficult and imported the work that n.o.b.l.e. is doing, that all of law enforcement are

continuing to do, and as we are still reeling with the losses minnesota,, from from baton rouge, just yesterday, we were hit again with more tragedy. in batondians fallen rouge, louisiana. again at half mast, families again morning beloved ones, senseless violence again intruding into the public as you try and advance it come of these incidents occurred, and it seems as if it was us back into a period when we are so far apart. -- more than on different sides of the highway, different sides of the tracks, sometimes we wonder are we in the same country. that is what we wonder. we deal with the personal loss. just looking at the level of violence here. as was indicated in a statement yesterday, of course i condemn

these acts of violence in the strongest terms possible because they are so counterproductive to what we are trying to do. the department of justice is on the ground in louisiana working with the local officials there, agents from the fbi, from atf, and the marshal service, and i am so glad to see my directors here today also from those services. they have dispatched their troops as well to offer assistance. law enforcement level but at the victims services level because we know sometimes after the cameras leave, after the crime scene tape is pulled away, the family still has to deal with this loss in very real, very immediate terms. we are working to work on those issues as soon as possible. our presidentas said yesterday, there is no justification whatsoever for violence against law enforcement , and so i know that i stand with all of you when i say that my thoughts and my prayers are lost,hose lives that we

the families left behind, who needed them like everyone needs a parent, a brother, a sibling, like everyone needed them, and they will need all of us more than ever. i know also being here at n.o.b.l.e. that everyone in this room feels that you need perspective, and the particular pain born of the broader experiences that we bring broader world in which we live. after the tragic murders of the five officers in dallas to its go, one dedicated black police officer of louisiana, officer montrell jackson gave voice to the dichotomy that is so often imposed upon us, and he wrote so poignantly, and words that i know echo with everyone in this room. he wrote, "in uniform, i gets nasty, hateful looks, and out of uniform, some consider me a threat."

alleven still, he urged americans, this man, the guarding of the community, this protector of all of our values, all americans of every background and circumstance, every color and creed, with this simple request, "please do not let hate infect your heart." " please do not let hate infect your heart." we lost mr. jackson just yesterday. he was one of the fallen in baton rouge mayor and we are devastated by his passing and that of his comrades, but my friends, if we are to truly honor his service and honor this honor his legacy and more his loss and more his loss in the loss of his colleagues and too many others who have been -- we say taken, but they have been snatched from us. they have literally been snatched from us. we must not let hatred infect our heart. we must not.

and that is the message that we have to carry from the convention throughout this country in our work, in our daily dealings. even if we are met with discord and we are met with people who do not understand, even if we are met with those who seek to blame on something that is really so difficult to discern. we must not let hatred infect our heart. there is a pain that you feel when you lose a friend or loved one. it is the same pain. it is the same pain. the hope and the dreams that we have for our children's future -- it is the same. it is the same, the anxiety, the worry we feel when they go out into the world -- it is the same. and we always have to remember that we share not just a country but this brief moments of life together, and the issues, the complex and challenging issues that these tragedies have

brought to the floor can only be met if we find ways to work together. that you know this, but i am here to tell you that as we approach this challenge, as we deal with this issue, as we look into the heart of this country, the voice of this organization, the voice of n.o.b.l.e., the voice of all of you is needed more than ever. to the lossto speak of humanity that occurs when any at a glance,ged whether by the color of our skin or the color of our uniform. any of us. n.o.b.l.e. has been at the forefront of these issues since its inception. from the time of lloyd sealy to the present day. [applause] ag lynch: you have walked that beat, you have looked people in

the eye, you have talked to children, you have talked people down from the hatred that can tear this country apart. haveave been there, you done this, we need you more than ever. n.o.b.l.e. has carried the banner of community policing that is at the forefront of all the discussions now, and we need you to raise it even higher in these challenging times. i am here to commit to you now, today, that this department of justice is standing with you. we will stand beside you in this effort. [applause] ag lynch: we are absolutely determined -- we have been working on this for years, but now is the time, we are determined to do everything we can to bridge these divides, to heal the rifts, and to restore trust, but most of all, now is the time to ensure that every american, everyone under the sheltering arm of our constitution, feels respected,

feels supported, feels safe. everyone, no matter the color of their skin, the color of the uniform, where they live, where they work -- this is all our house. this is all our house. we have to protect them. [applause] and some of the things that we are tremendously proud to do at the department is to advance the recommendation of the president's task force on 21st century policing. i know n.o.b.l.e. was behind so many of those pillars. it is a blueprint of reducing crime while building public trust, and it works. it works. this can be done. we are also working with our local partners, offering funding, offering technical assistance, body camera's, de-escalation training, and of course you know we offer education throughout the law enforcement community, and just

last month come i am pleased to note that the department of justice has committed to improve training for every federal law enforcement officer department and every prosecutor practicing under the shield of the department of justice. [applause] ag lynch: every single one. many of you know that our civil rights division is working every day to ensure constitutional policing, to ensure accountability, and to work to rebuild trust. many of you know our office of justice program. i know you know ron and the work that he is doing and the work we to givetinue to do local departments the tools they need, the training they require to come home, to come home safely. funds for the best, to training and officer safety and wellness because these do not away.en the cameras go

our brothers and sisters who wear the badge, who carry the safety every day, they go home with that weight still on them. they go back on duty with that weight still on them. they go back on ship with that weight still on them. we have to deal with those issues as well. that is just as important to protecting our officers as providing them with a vest. we are also looking to provide local jurisdictions -- and they are working so hard on innovative and collaborative issues that bring the communities together. the communities of officers, the communities of residents, all of those communities are our house coming together. we are tremendously proud to stand behind them at the department of justice. to say that we have more work to do is a profound understatement. what is somply note clear of across this country. we have to continue working.

working to rebuild the trust between law enforcement and the community is that we are so honored to serve. and we have to work to guarantee forl justice under the law the perception of justice matches the reality, and we have to continue to build a safer, more perfect union. that remains our common goal. i am tremendously proud to stand with n.o.b.l.e. today and everyday to help advance that mission, to support that cause, and to stand with you to realize this promise together. as part of that, i could not be more honored to introduce you someone who truly needs no introduction. , someone whoorker has put his shoulder to the grind on all of these issues for years, someone who has made the pursuit of justice his life's work. attorney general eric holder. [applause]

ag lynch: he is your friend: he is your colleague, today he is recipient. he came as a law graduate, making sure that everyone met their responsibilities to the american people, and he has never stopped in that goal, and over the course of what has truly been an extraordinary career as a judge, as deputy attorney general, and as the attorney general of these united states, he has advance fundamental beliefs that have animated him from the beginning, that animate this n.o.b.l.e. gathering, and that animates law enforcement at its best. but every individual deserve the quality. every individual deserves

respect. every individual, no matter where they are from, no matter what you look like, no matter where you are born, no matter whom you love, every individual deserves to enjoy the full blessings of american life. throughout his tenure as attorney general, eric holder demonstrated this commitment. he lived this, he walked this walk every day. every, singl single day not just with words but with action. he has helped advance the dignity and the quality of our brothers and sisters and their families. he has extended our most fundamental rights, including the right to vote. dear. held that so and that is a right, as we know, that is increasingly being attacked, particularly for communities of color. he has worked to resolve generation-old disputes through his groundbreaking efforts in indian country, living up to this country's obligation to the

original americans. he has acted decisively to reform our criminal justice system. he has transformed the way in which we dispense justice in this country. that is no small task. toils tos always rebuild the trust between law enforcement and the communities that we serve throughout every part of his career and every day at his tenure as attorney general. we know that these actions were not always easy to take because the best things often or not. the most important things are never easy. he faced opposition. he faced hostility, but he recognized, he knew in his bones that as public servants, it is our responsibility to approach the difficult issues with the fierce urgency that they deserve because he understood, as all of us in this room do, that staying

in place and doing nothing will only erode the progress that so many have fought to achieve. now, i remember his lessons every day that i walk into the office of attorney general, and i them. strive to live upo but we cannot burden future generations with our lost time or inaction. the time to act as now. we must build a foundation of progress. we have to scale heights that we never thought we could reach. we have to decide every day to push our best effort forward to the work that remains at hand. that is the idea that defines this organization. the work that will live beyond us to make this country a better place. it is the idea that defines eric holder's entire career.

it is the principle that guides us today. i believe it is your theme -- justice by action. justice by action, then, now, and tomorrow. my friends, the word innorable" is just a title till someone who lives it every day. iseone whose moral compass steadfast and true from his first job to the current moment. someone who has endured challenge and difficulty in the service of his mission, and someone who works to advance the goals of justice and equality, someone like our award recipient. you could not have graced this award with a better or more inspirational name. you could not have found a more deserving or more inspirational figure to lead us today. and now, my friends, it is my great honor, it is my privilege

to introduce you my predecessor, my colleague, and my friend, the 82nd attorney general of the united states, the honorable eric h holder. [applause] ank you.er: th well, good morning. >> good morning.

we live in troubled violenceet by directed at those sworn to protect us, awash in high-powered weapons of war, and subject to rhetoric that is too often overheated and factually inaccurate. themselves, ifind believe, at a crossroads. too many people are retreating to ideological corners and failing to meaningfully engage with one another on some of the pressing issues of the day. painful truths and hard andtions are avoided, demagogues have been given unnecessary attention and also political opportunity. now let me raise just a few unassailable truths.

police officers are the sentinels of our civilization, of our democracy. they must be protected at all costs. when there was a spike in officer related shootings a few years ago, i convened a summit meeting at the justice department that n.o.b.l.e. attended, and we put measures in place. it is not enough for us to praise law enforcement after cops are killed. we must value them and equip them with all the necessary tools and tactics while they are still alive. [applause] mr. holder: and when a police officer is killed in the line of duty, the harshest punishment, the ultimate punishment, must be meted out. an attack on a police officer is an attack on society itself and can simply not be condoned.

as a nation, we must ask ourselves why those who comprise to thin blue line are forced confront on far too frequent a basis weapons that are designed to kill and to maim in combat situations. we have recently seen to frequently officer deaths being perpetrated by those possessing assault rifles. it is time, it is far past time, for those of you in law enforcement to join with other responsible americans and take on the mindless, industry-driven gun lobby that values an illogical, individual ability to possess military grade weapons more than the lives of american people in general and our law enforcement personal in particular. speak up! [applause] mr. holder: we must also come to realize that keeping our officers safe is not

inconsistent with entering to -- with assuring to those in law enforcement to treat the people that they served with dignity, with respect, and with fairness. there is simply no tension between those two goals. and we are not being honest with ourselves if we ignore a path where to many in too many communities suffer at the treatment of a hands and if you the law enforcement -- of hands of a few than law enforcement. it is not hard to understand why that golf is between communities of color and those who are sworn to protect the same communities. fosterorward, we must not only open, often times painful dialogue between the groups, but also develop

concrete measures to bring together law enforcement and the neighborhoods in which they work. now, this is not politically correct. this is not a politically correct aim -- it is simply good law enforcement and will make for immunities and officers in them safer. , with groups in both communities, has i believe a neat perspective and special responsibility. you must lead where others dare not to go. you must speak out when others are comfortably silence. you must take on forces more concerned with ideological perspectives and not the welfare of the people who serve and serve with. you must be willing to risk short-term unpopularity with the knowledge that over time, history will judge you to be right. [applause] this will not be easy, but in

its 40-year history, n.o.b.l.e. has often been unafraid to be the conscience of law enforcement. now more than ever, it is time for you to take on that role once again. confronting truth is often times a difficult endeavor, but obscuring reality to maintain a seemingly comfortable but ultimately unjust status quo serves no one well. as always, n.o.b.l.e., you must lead. i am greatly honored to receive an award that will bear my name. i am grateful to my successor for presenting it to me. i hope that in the years coming, it will be a soda among men and women -- it will be bestowed among men and women who were not afraid to help craft solutions to new problems they are forced to confront and old issues that have bedeviled us as a nation for centuries.

never forget that positive change, though possible, is not promised. it is a result of hard work, sacrifice, and endurance in the face of failure. i'm confident that n.o.b.l.e., as it always has, will help lead our country toward a future that is infused with the change that we have long for so long as a nation. i want to thank you all once again. [applause]

>> we went a little off program, but we are going to do what we do -- we adjust. let me take you back to the national anthem, that was sung thomas -- excuse me, gregory harris, this is gregory thomas. what did you think of his rendition of "lift every voice"? [applause] i suppose you want

to know everybody who is up here, right? let me introduce everybody, starting my far right, gerald nelson, region one, national vice president. cj davis, national sergeant at arms. and if you would hold your applause until i get through the whole list here, it will go a lot bigger, i promise. dr. barbara williams-harris, national chaplain. dwayne crawford, executive director. perry tarrant, national vice president, and in two days, the president. broderick johnson, chair of my

brother's keeper's task force. gregory a. thomas, our national president. dwayne crawford, executive director, n.o.b.l.e. national effort. bell, our national treasurer. matthew verderosa, chief of police, capitol police. patrick labonte, region three national vice president. fourry c. baker, region national vice president. frederick thomas, region five national vice president. cheryl muti, region six national vice president.

and the national financial secretary. let's give these folks a round of applause. [applause] mr. tarrant: our second tier, thomas nelson, national recording secretary and washington, d.c. chapter president charles fonseca, jaclynl parliamentarian, northernnita gun, virginia chapter president, seymour jones, assistant to the national president, melanie jackson, special assistant to the national president for majorational affairs, general roper, united states s. shank, director

of the united states national central bureau, interval, guy j. patrol, chief united states postal inspector, thomas e randon, deputy director bureau of alcohol, tobacco, firearms, and explosives, david harlow, deputy director u.s. marshals service, sophia d jones, assistant demonstrator, transportation security administration office of phil miller, executive director immigrations customs enforcement, mark ridley, deputy director legal criminal investigation services, kathleen tie, inspector general of the department of education.

gail, acting inspector, h. agnes daniels, commissioner of --ran , noble led ofistant commissioner police, nigerian police force. [applause] mr. tarrant: roderick a. allison, director federal air marshals, anthony m. tapa, executive director hispanic

american police command officers p ociation, paul ferrell, the third vice president, international association of chiefs of police. garcia manning -- marcia manning, associate of commissioners of chief of police. w. craig hartley junior, executive director, commissions on accreditation of law enforcement agencies. --commissioner, u.s. customs and border protection's. s. patricia, assistant commissioner metropolitan police london. assistant director u.s. department of homeland security. director, u.s. department of agriculture forest service.

specht, executive director, air force office of special investigations. pasky, service andce de montréal, canada treasurer of the montréal chapter. craig w floyd, president and ceo, national law enforcement officers fund. ladies and gentlemen. [applause] mr. tarrant: again, good morning. coming to the podium, your current national presidents, gregory thomas. mr. thomas: these are the best

of times and the worst of times. these are the best of times and the worst of times. these are the best of times in that major cities across the country are experiencing rapid growth with crime and unemployment trending downward. these are the worst of times that some areas across the country are experiencing a stagnation and growth while crime numbers and despair are increasing with the gulf in relationships between the community and law enforcement. good morning again, n.o.b.l.e. >> good morning. mr. thomas: my opening quote comes from the classic 1959 novel by charles dickens, "a tale of two cities." allow me to paraphrase this quote some more where it says, "it was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was

the age of wisdom, it was the age of full is, it was the season of light, it was the darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair. we had everything before us, we had nothing before us. we were all going direct to heaven. we were all going direct the other way." are here and washington, d.c. celebrating our 40th anniversary, we are celebrating the best of times and the worst of times. during these moments, the country needs to push forward and ensure that there are less instances like those we have experienced in the last few days and months. ,e have to step up collectively law enforcement and the community that we serve, to bridge this ever-expanding gulf. as we continue to go through the these eventsssing

that happened recently, we need to look within ourselves to know that the opportunity for reform lies within both law enforcement and the communities we serve. on the law enforcement side, we take a personal gut check. they need to ask themselves, "is this the right job for me? can i fully serve the community with impartiality? are my fellow officers administering justice in a fair manner? " also ask yourself, "what is the role of law enforcement -- guardian or warrior?" also, let's be sure that we are hiring the right people. and more importantly providing support, training, and always providing guidance throughout officers' entire career. on the community site, we need to be open for the development public safety partnerships,

and a need to tap down rhetoric that fans flames of violence directed at members of law enforcement. remember, while we all know that our work is important, needed, and valued by the majority of citizens, as an industry, we have to recognize and acknowledge the pain, agony, and despair that some -- emphasize some, not all -- of our brothers and sisters have caused in minority communities. if we do this, we can move close to reconciliation. when we do this, we can have a candid, productive conversation about healing. let me stop just to add here that as you may have heard, i was invited to the white house with nine other members of law enforcement agencies representing the largest firms in the country. we work summoned by vice president biden. a meetingthere in with vice president biden, the door suddenly opened, and i do

mean suddenly, and in walked president obama. he sat there with us for two hours to have a conversation about healing and went around the room to ask everyone about their solutions. as he came to me, i just said, i said then what i said now -- i said now what i said then, in that we as an industry own this one. it is nobody else's issue but us. we have to step the floor, he leaders, and admit and recognize the pain that people are experiencing around the country the way they have been treated by some members of law enforcement. without doing that, there will be no reconciliation. [applause] so it is critical, as you heard the words of attorney general lynch and attorney general holder, we talked about this before we joined the stage about the need for us to be who we are and be steadfast about that statement. we need to a knowledge the pain

-- until we acknowledge the pain caused by some members of law enforcement, we will never get to the answer. people are being heard but not listened to. so as we come together as another family, and let me stop your also to say that as an expanding family, you heard these introductions by vice president tarrant about who is on the stage here, and i want to recognize two people. we have a new chapter in montréal, which this current board signed in through a charter late last year, and also this past friday, we also signed a charter for a chapter in jamaica. now we are expanding internationally as well. [applause] so as you come together this week to celebrate the wisdom, build the work of our founders, let us do so with the goal of being those who are prepared to stand in the current gap between law enforcement and the communities that we serve.

as a praying people, we know that there are times in the bible when the lord called on and looked for someone to stand in the gap, so let us take on that task in a very dutiful manner and be the leaders that we know we are and need to be because to do so would be us being true to what is n.o.b.l.e. 's aim, what is n.o.b.l.e. now, and what is n.o.b.l.e. tomorrow. thank you. [applause] mr. thomas: ok, we are still being flexible here, and it is

my turn now to introduce -- i apologize, i need to welcome the youth. my apologies. we will now introduce the chief from the capitol police. please come to the podium and say a few words. thank you so much. [applause] chief verderosa: president thomas, distinguished guests, thank you for the opportunity, and welcome to the n.o.b.l.e. executive board, members, the sequenc -- distinguished guests, and the law enforcement community and our nation for the capital. it is an honor to be here, and i appreciate n.o.b.l.e.'s role in helping to mentor today's law

enforcement professionals, some who may become executive leaders and law enforcement, who will affect positive change, and bring communities together. n.o.b.l.e.'s mission to ensure in all communities and to serve as the conscience of all law enforcement by leaving by action is exactly what is needed today. law enforcement agencies and departments that have lost touch with the communities they serve are doomed to failure. principles of policing speak directly to this. the person who is often credited with developing the nine principles of policing enumerated these and focused on the mosthilosophy important of which, i believe,

are that police at all times should maintain a relationship with the public, that gives reality to the perception that police are the public and the public are the police. [applause] policeerderosa: the being the only members of the public who are paid to give full-time and attention to duties which are incumbent on every citizen in the interest of community welfare. secure theo not willing cooperation of the public they serve and complying with the law, they have lost the public's respect. does this sound familiar? i think it does. both cities and law enforcement are in crisis. we as law-enforcement professionals need to address these issues straight on in dialogue and collaboration with community leaders. we only serve the public because the public allows and accepts the role of law. acts outsidece

the law or are perceived to act outside the law, they erode public confidence, and it becomes impossible. it becomes an us vs. them relationship. we are part of the public, and we must never forget that. and leadersb.l.e. to restore -- you, the members here, can affect future change, positive, institutional change, and the nation's police department. through leadership, education, mentoring future executives, training, as well as the recruitment of outstanding youth to join the ranks of police departments, change can be achieved by including people from diverse communities and the change process, and that happens through dialogue, through community policing, through achieving a place where once

again in which the police are the public and the public are the police. the u.s. capitol police and i personally am proud to support n.o.b.l.e. in that mission. in fact, some of my best leaders are attending this conference this year. [applause] chief verderosa: thank you for allowing me a few moments to briefly touch on these topics. i have enjoyed the presentations so far, and i really appreciate the opportunity to speak today. thank you. [applause] mr. thomas: i need to offer you not doogy, chief, i did your name justice. my wife is probably saying, "why did you not have your glasses with you?" so chief verderosa, i apologize,

and thank you. and i do have the now as i introduced the next speaker. my pleasure to introduce to you the keynote speaker, mr. broderick johnson, who is the assistant to the cabinet secretary and chair of the my brother's keeper task force. esther johnson has also held other positions in the public and private sectors. he was a senior adviser to present obama during his formern in 2012 and adviser to the obama presidential campaign in 2008, with the senior affairs advisor 20 -- perry campaign and in 2004. he started his career in the house of representatives during a time when he drafted landmark legislation, including the family and medical leave act. he later served as chief counsel

to the house committee in the district of columbia and as chief counsel to the house committee on education and the workforce. he received his gloria from the college of holy cross in his -- he received his baccalaureate from the college of holy cross. a native of baltimore, maryland, he currently resides in washington, d.c. with his wife and three children. let me say that one of the best things i found serving this role of national president is the amount of times you get invited to the white house, but what is scary is when you get invited to the white house when you did not tell them you are in washington, d.c. and they track you down. [laughter] mr. thomas: that is scary. i was therefore the national black caucus week, and we got a call from valerie jarrett saying she knew we were in town, and could we come to the white house

issues, it isss there that i recognized mr. johnson as chair of the my brother's keeper initiative, and from there, we had a discussion, a very deep one, about how n.o.b.l.e. will join with the white house and its initiative. i know he will talk about that. let's give a round of applause to mr. broderick johnson. [applause] sec. johnson: good morning. start first by thanking you, president thomas, for that very kind introduction, and thank you, n.o.b.l.e., for 40 years serving as the conscience of law enforcement by being committed to justice by action as a note of personal privilege, i also want to thank n.o.b.l.e. so very much for

awarding me the civil rights justice by action award yesterday. humbledgrateful and so by that recognition by you, so thank you very much. [applause] it is always great to be with our extraordinary attorney general loretta lynch, and congratulations to my dear friend of many years, our former attorney general, eric holder, for the incredible honor that you all recognized him for. just think about it. just reflect on the two extraordinary and honorable lawyers that this president chose to be his attorneys general. people of great leadership and ,ourage, commitment, compassion just like the president and first lady of these united states. [applause]

so it is a true privilege to be here today and bring greetings and sincere gratitude on behalf of the 44th president of these united states, barack obama. it goes without saying that these have been challenging weeks and painful weeks for our american family and times that have shaken us to our core. weeks where people filled with hatred try to take this comfort of part. we have also seen weeks where we have seen people come together to mourn and to take action. i know the noble family was gathered for a civil rights lunch when the nation heard this shocking news about the loss of your brothers, the loss of three brief officers who put their lives on the line to serve and protect the community, brave souls who ran toward danger rather than from it.

we pray for their families and for those who were injured yesterday. as the president said in his address to the nation yesterday afternoon, "regardless of motive, the death of these three brave officers underscores the danger that officers face every single day and we as a nation must be clear that nothing justifies attacks on law enforcement. attacks on law enforcement are attacks on all of us. " i'm also reminded of the presidents words from this year's medal of valor ceremony. "the men and women who run toward danger remind us with your courage and humility what the highest form of citizenship looks like. when you see commuters and

shoppers at risk, you do not see them. love your neighbor as yourself and you put other safety before your own. your proud example of public countrymeans loving our means loving one another." all sure that love every day in your service and your sacrifice and then you go above and beyond by serving tens of thousands of youth through education programs every year. we so deeply appreciate your new commitment to my brother's keeper initiative, designed to connect boys and young men of color and other vulnerable youth to education and resources to law enforcement or your community program. thank you so much for that

commitment to my brother's keeper. we applaud that commitment. [laughter] [applause] you have been alongside us in our communities toward some of the toughest moments like in the aftermath the ferguson. you all embody what it means to be servant leaders and for that, we are forever grateful. as theition to serving secretary of the president's chair ofi serve as the the task force. it is been about expanding it became thatnd way in the wake of the tragic killing of trayvon martin. the president spoke candidly to the nation when he said trayvon martin could've been his son. , trayvon martin

could've been him. the president went on to say there are a lot of kids who need help and are getting a lot of negative reinforcement. finally he said there has to be more that we can do to give them the sense that this country cares about them and values them and is willing to invest in them. as you all know, the challenges and disparities that boys and young men of color are significant and follow them throughout their lives. -- one the statistics into black boys have no fathers at home, one in four latinas. by age three, children in low income households have heard roughly 30 million fewer words than their higher income peers. americanafrican students represent 16% of the public school population, that up 42% of those suspended more than once and 34% of students

expelled. are of those children preschoolers, three and four-year-olds, suspended and expelled from preschool. isn't that startling? they are like little people about this told. we can do better. the high school graduation rate in america is now 82%, but many districts see graduation rates or worse for boys of color. black males account for nearly half of the nation's murder victims. among young adults ages 10-24, homicide is the leading cause of death for blackmail and among the leading causes of death for hispanics. but we can do better. in february 2014, the president launched the my brother's keeper initiative from the east room of the white house. address thened to

persistent opportunity gaps, some of which are just cited, faced by young men of color. we can ensure all people in this nation reach their full potential. it is not about a single solution. about supporting our children that every key stage in their developments from cradle to college and career and indeed at providing second chances/ 250 communities in all 50 states and the district of columbia and puerto rico have accepted my brother's keeper community challenge. nearly 250 communities. one of $600 million in private sector and philanthropic grants have been committed in alignment with mbk, but we can do better. policies and grant

programs have been implemented to make sure every child has a clear pathway to success from cradle to college to career and second chances. communities have brought together diverse community leaders who are eggs you kidding full plans of action to reduce inequities and expand opportunity, including reducing violence and providing second chances. often that includes partnerships and conversations between youth and law enforcement. for example, in the city of boston, boston has expanded its violence interrupters program in coordination with the boston police department to provide increased on the ground outreach to youth at risk of violent crime. in detroit, they apartment with the chief of police to launch the team of program, an initiative that matches police officers who serve as mentors with baseball and softball teams.

nearly 2000 youth participating in detroit's summer youth employment program are parallel along question officials. there are 8000 youth in that program. 2000 of those youth are paired with law enforcement officials. philadelphia's police school divers are program has led to a 54% reduction in school-based arrests. rather than sending these children to juvenile justice systems, the program offers a youth and their parents and their caregivers a range of social services and counseling. but we need to scale up that work. that is why we are especially grateful and thank noble for the us that they will work with in more commuters across the country to bring together more young men and women of color with law enforcement. we are so deeply grateful for your commitment so we can expand this work. [applause]

k is not about just dealing with issues through forums or discussions, while those are important, but it's about making sure we take action and we come together and are honest about the challenges that we face, but that we are committed to work with each other to do the hard work to restore and build trust. sureard work of making that all of our children come in a matter who they are a were they come from, have an equal opportunity and nothing standing in the way of them achieving their dreams. it's about young people realizing that they too should become law enforcement officers because it is such an incredibly honorable profession. before i step off the stage, the president asked i shared his greetings with all of you as well. the white house, washington, july 15, 2016, i'm pleased to

join in marking the 40th anniversary of the national organization of black law enforcement executives. our law enforcement officials put their lives on the line every day for a cause greater than themselves. for many, this work is more than job. it is a calling. a chance to give back to the communities in which they live and opportunity to uphold the rule of law that sustains our democracy. the hours are often long. the work is often dangerous. and the stress is often high, and yet, all across our country officials carry out their duties fairly and professionally. our nation is safer for it. we are all part of one american family and it is our responsibility to do everything we can to lift up and support all of our people, including

those who serve and protect their communities. , noble has been a leader in this effort. founded in the miss of increasing crime and communities of color, we have worked not only to unify forces in black law enforcement, but also to mentor and educate thousands of youth through leadership development programs. my administration's task force on 21st century policing has looked to leaders of noble to help address key challenges and i'm grateful for your commitment to help communities that have accepted the my brother's keeper community challenge to strengthen relationships between youth and law enforcement. in today's world, our collective efforts are more critical than ever before. as a nation, we have made enormous progress in race relations over the course of the past several decades. i've witnessed that my own life. still, more work remains.

heartache and tragedies, leaders like you remind us that there is no contradiction between supporting police officers and recognizing the racial disparities that exist in our criminal justice system. the america i know is not as divided as some try to insist . i'm confident that by coming together to listen, learn, and build trust with each other at forms like this that we can further address some of the challenges that have plagued her nation for centuries. as you can do to tackle some of america's most pressing issues and work to keep our committee safe, please know that a grateful president thinks you -- tanks and you and your families for your service and sacrifice. signed, president barack obama. [applause] the final thing i would like to say is thank you on behalf of my

family for all you do to protect us. we are deeply, deeply grateful. god bless all of you. thank you. [applause] >> thank you again for those words. thes also important to organization that we continued the discussion that we started are shortly issuing a press release that will more from dust firmly detail the relationship between my brother's keeper and noble. the topic of law enforcement engagement, who else better than noble to be there to have a discussion.

mr. thomas: it's a discussion we're having anyway. we're going to try to courtney our events with my brother's keeper and vice versa. it is something the membership will love because they're doing it now. it's another opportunity to work with the resources from the white house to spread the message of law enforcement role and how important this is and also to help with recruitment and get more ambassadors to speak on behalf of us when it comes to issues related to law enforcement. thank you again for your time today and to the president for his work in this area. i'm closer to the microphone and going to take advantage of that to move the program forward. i'm going to move to you now the youth leadership conference representatives. they're going to come back to wayne crawford to close with acknowledgments. guzman and satchel

mckinney come forward please? thank you. >> good morning, noble members and dais guests. --name is such a mckinney satchel mckinney and i attend high school. rreyding with me is monte guzman, who is serving as a noble ambassador for the 15th annual noble youth leadership conference. [applause]

>> i want to take this opportunity to thank noble for hosting the youth leadership conference here in washington, d.c. the other participants, i'm committed to being focused and look forward to being enlightened, and powered, and encouraged -- empowered and encouraged. our intention for this ease leadership conference is to be and free from distractions because we do not want to miss anything that you have for us. although we are young, we are mindful of what is happening in our world today. we look forward to engaging in robust discussions and engaging with you guys. we want to be an intentional

part of the solution. on behalf of the youth leaders of the noble youth leadership conference, thank you for investing in the future of youth. have a great conference. [applause] [applause] mr. thomas: i was up all night preparing mic my speech, young man. young man, young man, i was all up on night practicing my

speech. what are you doing, man? you showed me up, bro. [applause] and he said robust. i was like, really. thank you. >> noble family and guests, please give yourself a round of applause. this is been an unbelievable morning. i'm going to go through some of our notes, so bear with me here. i'm going to start off with some peanuts. -- some keynotes. the department of homeland security is from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.. washington for the

viewer of tobacco firearms and explosives. service is inl washington three and u.s. marshals service is washington five. we mentioned earlier in the press release. president thomas is very instrumental in the executive board to reach out to the white house. this is going to be a key initiative and part of our program. there will be an announcement coming out. we want to thank our president because that is a big, big deal. [applause] the silent auction is open and will end at 2:45 p.m. however, you can pick up your items at the security desk. don't leave here to go to host city. badge. will need is your

if you have your badges, you can get into the host city. founders, let's take a moment to recognize any of our founders who are here this morning. please stand and be recognized. [applause] mr. crawford: thank you chief johnny johnson. and chief triplett johnny johnson. we're going to now ask you to stand so we can retire our colors. please stand to retire our colors. please stand.

>> please give the color guard around of applause. [applause]

also, all of our international members, a round of applause to all of our international members. this is the largest contingent of international members at our conference. and still remain standing. i'm going to ask reverend barbara williams to come give us benediction. rev. williams: again, thank you father for what we have heard today. we thank you for the word. we thank you for the enlightenment. we thank you for the future and the words of our youth. thank you for the blessings of the last 40 years. thank you for the blessings of today and thank you for the blessings to come in the next 40 years. we have been tested.

we are being tested. we will be tested. but because of our foundation, no matter what storm comes, no matter what tests we face, we will not only pass them but we will be victorious. thank you for the rest of these sessions. in your name we pray, amen. mr. crawford: that concludes our session. thank you. [captions copyright national cable satellite corp. 2016] [captioning performed by the national captioning institute, which is responsible for its caption content and accuracy. visit ncicap.org]

>> one day before the start of the democratic convention in philadelphia, here's what we're covering today. a news conference with a group of democratic delegates to support bernie sanders. later, the philadelphia mayor and city officials talk about preparations to host the dnc. paul manna for is holding a briefing at 5:30 p.m.. after that, millennial journalists talk about their spirits covering the campaign. that is live today on c-span.

>> you will have a front row seat to every minute of the democratic national convention on c-span.org. watch live streams without commentary or commercials and use the clipping tool to create your own clips of your favorite convention moments and share them on social media. read twitter feeds from delegates and reporters in philadelphia. get the most of c-span's gavel to gavel coverage. go to c-span.org/democratic national convention for updated information to see what is happening in each convention and every speech will be on demand for viewing when you want on your desktop, laptop, tablet, and smartphone. andspecial convention pages all of c-span.org are a public service of your cable or satellite provider. if you are a c-span watcher, check it out on the web at c-span.org. democratic presidential

candidate hillary clinton formally announced virginia senator tim kaine as her running mate at a rally in miami. she talked about her party's vision of building bridges and raising diversity. the virginia center talked about his background in life, including public service. this is about an hour. ["ain't no mountain high enough" plays] ♪

>> hillary! hillary! hillary! hillary! hillary! hillary! [cheers and applause] mrs. clinton: hello, miami! [cheers and applause] mrs. clinton: i am so excited and grateful to be here with all of you. [cheers and applause] mrs. clinton: i must say, after everything we have just seen at the republican convention this past week -- [booing] mrs. clinton: being here with you on this beautiful day is truly like a breath of fresh air.