Upholding the Badge: A Former Officer's Perspective on Police Ethics and Accountability
SAY THEIR NAME - Episode 11
Retired police officer Anthony Finnell brings 24 years of experience to the discussion on law enforcement oversight in this week’s Say Their Name episode. Now an Independent Police Auditor, he reflects on the responsibilities of those who wear the badge — and how reform must come from both within and outside the system. His insights are rooted in lived experience, personal accountability, and a commitment to justice.
Accountability for Every Action
Finnell believes that accountability is the cornerstone of ethical policing. In his words:
“My training as a police officer was that every shot you fired you're accountable for.”
This principle, he says, should apply to all uses of force — not just shootings. Officers must recognize that each decision they make on duty carries weight, consequences, and public scrutiny.
Every use of force must be justified and documented.
Officers should be trained to assess situations thoroughly before escalating.
Accountability should be internal (personal ethics) and external (oversight and policy).
The Importance of Proper Training
Many policing failures, Finnell argues, are not a result of individual malice but poor preparation.
He stresses that:
Training should be comprehensive, scenario-based, and ongoing.
Departments need to invest in de-escalation techniques and mental health response strategies.
Officers should be exposed to realistic and evolving community dynamics, not just textbook procedures.
Finnell points out that outdated training often leaves officers ill-equipped to handle today’s complex policing environments.
Policy Review and Adaptation
Finnell's work as an auditor has led him to repeatedly recommend the review of use-of-force policies. In fact, of the nine reports in which he disagreed with official findings, five included the same recommendation.
He sees this as a sign that agencies must:
Be willing to revisit and revise their core policies.
Recognize patterns in oversight findings.
Use audit reports as blueprints for institutional change — not just paperwork.
Building Community Trust
For Finnell, effective policing is rooted in relationships — not control.
“I policed the neighborhoods that I grew up in. I knew the people.”
This connection made him more effective as an officer and more empathetic as a human being.
Officers who serve where they live tend to be more accountable and invested.
Community familiarity reduces misunderstandings and unnecessary escalation.
Trust is built through consistency, communication, and care — not fear or intimidation.
Ethical Conduct and Transparency
Finnell reflects on how his personal values shaped his approach to the job:
“I couldn't live a dual life. So I had to be authentic in that.”
Authenticity, he believes, is crucial in law enforcement — because the public can sense when someone is not being genuine.
Officers must live by the same values off-duty as they’re expected to enforce on-duty.
Transparency isn’t just about body cams or press releases — it’s about personal integrity.
Ethical leadership starts at the individual level and influences department culture.
The Role of Oversight
While some officers see oversight as a threat, Finnell views it as an opportunity. He believes that officers who served with fairness and integrity bring essential insight to the table. They can:
Bridge the gap between civilian reviewers and police departments.
Help identify systemic flaws while respecting the realities of frontline work.
Promote reform from a place of credibility and experience.
A Path Forward
Anthony Finnell’s reflections highlight a core truth: reform and responsibility must go hand in hand. When officers are well-trained, policies are evaluated, communities are respected, and oversight is welcomed — everyone benefits.
The future of policing depends on:
Accountability in every decision.
Training that prepares officers for reality.
Policies that reflect community needs.
Trust-building through real relationships.
Ethical leadership from top to bottom.
Oversight that values fairness and truth.
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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