Black excellence in law enforcement
The narrative for the relationship between Black people and law enforcement has always been one of brutality, in-justice, and double standards. Even now stories of unarmed Black men being shot by police dominate news headlines. So how do we change this narrative? Do we continue to protest? Should we riot and destroy the very communities we live in? Or do we sit idle and accept police brutality as an unchangeable force of society? I believe the answer to these questions can be found in our collective pursuit of excellence.
On Aug. 13, 2014, The City of Delray Beach Police Department promoted Sgt. Javaro Sims to the rank of Assistant Chief of Police. Asst. Chief Sims has served with the Delray Beach Police Department for the last 22 years. He is a member of various organizations in and around the community, Boys to Men Mentoring and Omega Phi Psi Fraternity to name a few. Recently, I was able to conduct a phone interview with Asst. Chief Sims in regards to his latest promotion. During my interview, Asst. Chief Sims spoke candidly about his personal beliefs, his family, and his legacy as a Black man serving in Law Enforcement.
Westside Gazette: Why did you leave teaching for a career in Law Enforcement?
Asst. Chief Sims: Teaching lacked discipline… I didn’t feel I could retire as a teacher.
Westside Gazette: What motivates you?
Asst. Chief Sims: I’m self-motivated…My parents taught me that I’m the author of my own book of life and what goes in that book is based on how I
choose to live my life.
Westside Gazette: How do you feel about the history of police brutality in the Black community?
Asst. Chief Sims: Any brutality in any community is unacceptable.
Westside Gazette: How can we improve the rela-tionship between the Black community and Law Enforcement?
Asst. Chief Sims: One way is to have more participation on the (police) force. (This) gives us a voice inside and outside… There’s always going to be a problem when the (police) force doesn’t reflect the community. Westside Gazette: If you had to choose one word to describe yourself what would it be?
Asst. Chief Sims: Deter-mined.
Westside Gazette: What are your hobbies?
Asst. Chief Sims: I don’t have any hobbies (Laughs)…I like working out and riding my motorcycle. I like reading and traveling too.
Westside Gazette: What are the most important things in your life?
Asst. Chief Sims: God, family, and community… In that order.
Westside Gazette: How do you want to be remembered?
Asst. Chief Sims: Personally, I want to be remembered as God fearing and as a person who loved his family… Professionally, fair and impartial… Willing to do the right thing regardless of circumstances.
“If you ever want to make a difference in this world, it’s not what you do for your-self, it’s what you do for others…that’s legacy Asst. Chief Javaro Sims
