Letter from NVC Criminal Justice Training Center
Dear Napa Valley College Community,
The violent death of Mr. George Floyd is an unacceptable and horrific tragedy. It is inexcusable, and intolerable that such actions were committed by those sworn to keep the peace. We write you today to make clear our perspectives, feelings, and commitment to contribute to the healing so desperately needed to help us move forward.
First and foremost, the actions of the officers are completely inconsistent with training the NVC Criminal Justice Training Center and Administration of Justice programs provide. I can speak with confidence for our team of faculty and staff – We condemn the actions of the officers involved in this heinous crime.
The police academy program at Napa Valley College has been providing California law enforcement training since 1984. Over the years, we have imbued throughout our academy training, community policing, ethical decision making and the development of cultural competence. We make every effort to deliver this training in such a way as to develop thoughtful, respectful, and truly caring officer candidates. Our training focuses on developing peacekeepers, willing to sacrifice of themselves to improve the quality of life for all members of our communities. We strive to develop servant-leaders. We remain steadfast in this commitment. We believe a community focused training experience has the best opportunity to develop quality police trainees. Evermore, we will endeavor to foster a greater level of cultural competence because we believe without such understanding true peacekeeping will not be achieved.Our hearts go out to Mr. George Floyd and his family. We are saddened by the senseless loss of his life. Moreover, we are saddened because this loss occurred at the hands of law enforcement personnel. Such actions have no place in our nation. We will not relent in our commitment to end such violent behaviors, through constant improvement in the delivery of quality education. We will continue to strive for a transformative experience that effectively prepares women and men to serve their communities with compassion, understanding and a willingness to sacrifice so that others can benefit from their service.
Respectfully yours,
Damien Sandoval, Director, NVC Criminal Justice Training Center
Greg Miraglia, Coordinator, Administration of Justice