Uniting in Grief: How Two Mothers Are Changing Police Accountability
SAY THEIR NAME - Episode 10
"The friendship is not going anywhere because we're still here, and we're gonna still be here fighting and speaking and standing." Narene Stokes Crosby
What brings two mothers from across state lines together? For Narene Stokes Crosby and Sheila Albers, it was unimaginable loss. Their sons, Ryan Lee Stokes and John Albers, were killed in separate police shootings—events that forever changed their lives and set them on a path neither expected.
In this powerful episode of Say Their Name, we explore how Narene and Sheila turned their grief into purpose, forming an unexpected friendship and becoming passionate advocates for police reform.
A Tale of Two Tragedies
Ryan Lee Stokes was killed in 2013, and John Albers in 2018. Despite the years between their deaths and the different circumstances surrounding them, both cases highlighted alarming issues within police departments:
• Lack of transparency in investigations
• Use of false narratives to justify shootings
• Inadequate policies on use of force
• Insufficient training on de-escalation techniques
These similarities reveal a systemic problem that transcends individual cases.
"They have a playbook. And it doesn't matter whether the victim is black or white or male or female. There's a playbook that they use in order to justify the use of force."- Sheila Albers
Reshaping Police Responsibilities and Ethics
Through their advocacy, Narene and Sheila are pushing for critical changes in how police departments operate:
1. Transparent Investigations: Both mothers stress the need for open, timely communication with families after officer-involved shootings.
2. Policy Reforms: They're advocating for specific policy changes, such as:
• Banning shooting into moving vehicles
• Implementing clear foot pursuit guidelines
• Establishing protocols for returning personal items to families
3. Enhanced Training: The mothers emphasize the need for better training in:
• De-escalation techniques
• Mental health crisis response
• Implicit bias awareness
4. Accountability Measures: They're pushing for systems that hold officers accountable when policies are violated.
5. Compassionate Communication: Both stress the importance of treating families with empathy and respect during and after investigations.
What We Learned About Changing Police Culture
The friendship between Narene and Sheila demonstrates the power of unity in the face of tragedy. Their work highlights that police reform isn't just about changing laws—it's about transforming the culture within law enforcement agencies.
As Sheila puts it, "We don't want other families to endure what we've endured." Their efforts remind us that meaningful change often starts at the local level, with citizens pushing their communities to demand better from those sworn to protect and serve.
Ready to dive deeper into this crucial topic? Listen to the full episode for more invaluable insights from Narene Stokes Crosby and Sheila Albers. And remember, until truth and justice are obtained, we will always Say Their Name.
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