On January 4, 2021, Anthony Roberson (MET\u201911) was sworn in as police chief of the Central Falls, Rhode Island police department. It was the culmination of a long journey for the public servant, a believer in the power of positive relationships who is dedicated to leading a culture shift in the Central Falls Police Department by championing philosophies of de-escalation and community engagement.<\/p>\n
Not only the city\u2019s first Black chief of police, Roberson is also Rhode Island\u2019s only police chief with a doctorate, and only the third Black municipal chief in the state\u2019s history. Ascending to his position at a time when communities nationwide are examining reform efforts in policing, Roberson has met calls for social justice by committing his department to training in the principles and skills of nonviolence.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s different roles that can lend themselves to bettering society, but there\u2019s no position quite like law enforcement, because you have that direct, on the ground, initial contact with people,\u201d Roberson told the Boston Globe<\/em>. \u201cThere\u2019s no other profession like it, where you have access to the public in such a way that can benefit their lives.\u201d<\/p>\n