We've invested so much in police departments as protectors that we have forgotten what it means to serve our communities, says Baltimore Police officer Lt. Colonel Melvin Russell. It's led to coldness and callousness, and it's dehumanized the police force. After taking over as district commander in one of Baltimore's toughest neighborhoods, Russell instituted a series of reforms aimed at winning back the trust of the community and lowering the violent crime rate. "Law enforcement is in a crisis," he says. "But it's not too late for all of us to build our cities and nation to make it great again."

Melvin Russell: I love being a police officer, but we need reform

I love being a police officer, but we need reform

Chief of the Community Partnership Division, Baltimore Police Department

Merging law and community spirit, a police officer transforms Baltimore's most violent district by prioritizing service over force.

A 40-year low in crime rates in Baltimore tells a story of reform, showing that serving communities holistically addresses root causes.

Community policing's success, marked by a dramatic drop in homicides, illustrates the power of embracing service alongside protection.

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