Dr. Oscar Odom III is an Associate Professor with the Master of Public Safety Program. A retired NYPD detective and former Vice President of Security at the Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation, he has over 20 years of experience in law enforcement, including serving as First Deputy Sheriff Commissioner and Four-Star Chief of the NYC Sheriff’s Office. Dr. Odom is an educator with a long academic career, teaching criminal justice and law, and is also a member of the prestigious Oxford Roundtable in the United Kingdom. In addition, he serves as a Fulbright Scholar Criminal Justice Peer Reviewer.
Hear Dr. Odom's thoughts from a recent interview:
Q: Dr. Odom, in interviews you mention that challenges for the public safety profession have increased exponentially in the 21st century. What do you see as the most significant challenges today?
Oscar Odom: The challenges in public safety today span leadership, police-community relationships, active shooter incidents, and constitutional issues. Policing is a noble profession tasked with protecting life and property, but it has come under a microscope due to recent national events. Leadership from both academics and practitioners is needed now more than ever to improve police best practices. While most officers get it right, the few who dishonor the badge have cast a shadow on the profession. It is critical we strive for perfection and continue to refine our approaches. Leadership is the key to this success.
Q: You emphasize the need for leadership in public safety from both academics and practitioners. How can these groups collaborate to improve police practices?
Oscar Odom: Collaboration between academics and practitioners is essential to bridge the gap between theory and practice. Academics should conduct research on the best police practices using quantitative, qualitative, and action research methods. Their findings need to be evidence-based and data-driven. Practitioners, in turn, should use this research, along with data from CompStat-type models, police reports, and community complaints, to refine their practices. This partnership will ensure that both theory and practice evolve in ways that improve public safety.
Q: You also stress the importance of police-community relationships. How can law enforcement rebuild and strengthen these relationships?
Oscar Odom: Police-community relationships are not optional—they are critical. The 21st century has shown both the best and worst practices in how police engage with the public. To improve relationships, we must address implicit biases and stereotypes. One thing we can learn from the past is the importance of the "beat cop"—officers who know the people in their community by name and are active participants in local events. That model of engagement fosters trust and should be reinstated in modern policing.
Q: Active shooter situations are a growing concern. What are your thoughts on how public safety officials can better address this threat?
Oscar Odom: Active shooters are a significant and growing concern for public safety officials. From recent attempts on high-profile individuals' lives to school shootings, this issue has become a national security priority. Law enforcement must stay vigilant, and public safety officials must continue to refine their strategies and training for these types of incidents. Unfortunately, active shooter events are not going away anytime soon, so we need to focus on preparedness and prevention through data analysis, scenario planning, and community engagement.
Q: The U.S. Constitution, particularly the 1st and 2nd Amendments, has been a hot topic of debate in the context of public safety. How should public safety officials navigate these constitutional challenges?
Oscar Odom: The U.S. Constitution is the supreme law of the land, and it is essential that public safety officials uphold the balance of freedoms guaranteed within it. The 1st Amendment, which protects freedom of speech, religion, and assembly, is not absolute—it has time, place, and manner restrictions. Public safety officials need to ensure these freedoms are protected while maintaining order. The 2nd Amendment, the right to bear arms, is another contentious issue, particularly in the context of active shooters. Navigating these debates requires a deep understanding of the law, as well as a commitment to protecting citizens' rights while ensuring public safety.
Q: In some of your previous public statements, you referenced the song "We Are the World." What message do you hope public safety officials and communities take from this sentiment?
Oscar Odom: The song "We Are the World" speaks to the power of unity and cooperation, and that is exactly what we need today. Both law enforcement and the communities they serve must come together, recognize our shared humanity, and work towards solutions that make society safer for everyone. Public safety is not just about law enforcement; it is about community involvement, leadership, and mutual trust. My hope is that through collaboration and understanding, we can overcome the challenges of the 21st century.