NOBLE: JUSTICE IN ACTION

The History of NOBLE

The National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE) was founded in September, 1976, during a three-day symposium to address crime in urban, low income areas. The symposium took place in Washington, D.C. and was co-sponsored by the Police Foundation and the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration.

Attendees included sixty (60) top ranking Black law enforcement executives representing twenty-four (24) states and fifty-five (55) major cities. The group recognized that Black Law Enforcement Executives could have a significant impact on the criminal justice system through a united voice. The group formed NOBLE in response to their concerns.

The NOBLE Purpose

  • 1.  To unify Black Law Enforcement Officers at executive and command levels;
  • 2.  To conduct research in relevant areas of law enforcement;
  • 3.  To establish linkages and liaisons with organizations of similar concern;
  • 4.  To evaluate and recommend legislation relating to the criminal justice process;
  • 5.  To establish effective means and strategies for dealing with racism in the field of criminal justice;
  • 6.  To develop communication techniques for sensitizing police executives, police officers, institutions and agencies in the criminal justice system to the problems of the black community;
  • 7.  To develop mechanisms that will facilitate the exchange of information among black police executives;
  • 8.  To articulate the concerns of Black Executives in law enforcement.

NOBLE Guiding Principles

RESPECT
Law enforcement must be respectful of the rights of all persons.

UNCOMPROMISING INTEGRITY
NOBLE will conduct its business according to ethical standards of law enforcement.

COURAGE OF CONVICTIONS
NOBLE will be proactive in addressing issues of controversial law-enforcement policies and practices.

ACCOUNTABILITY
NOBLE promotes the principle of mutual accountability between the criminal justice system and the community.

COMMUNITY
The community must be an integral part of the criminal justice system, with particular attention being given to criminal justice issues that affect the African American community.

VALUE DIVERSITY
NOBLE promotes the value of diversity at all levels throughout the criminal justice system.

MENTORING
Mentoring: NOBLE members are committed to mentoring as a way of life.