When we think of law enforcement, the first thing that comes to mind isn’t always protection — we think of tickets, arrests, and the all-too-familiar stories of bad encounters between our people and those meant to protect us. Traffic stops escalating to arrests, to brutality. This distinction was one of many powerful topics discussed at the NOBLE (National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives) State of Black America conference, where redefining policing and public safety is not just a talking point, but a cause. In Fort Lauderdale and our surrounding communities, strides have been made to improve connections between law enforcement and the people, but the need for trust, reform, and unity remains urgent.