Napoleon Williams and members of the Chattanooga Regional Chapter are happy to announce the promotion of member Patricia Shackleford-Gray as Manager of the Technical Services Division at the Chattanooga Police Department. Pat is also an honorary member of the Georgia Chapter.

A 25 year veteran of the Chattanooga Police Department. Where she has served in many capacities and supervisory positions throughout her career. She credits her success to God, hard work and the many mentors who have touched her life.

Pat attended Tennessee State University and is a graduate of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Leadership Chattanooga, receiving several educational and college Degrees during her journey.

She was a recipient of the Walter Lawson Community Service Award in Tampa Florida; along with receiving many leadership and recruitment awards on a local level. A very active member of Chattanooga and Georgia Chapters and has a great passion for NOBLE.

She has received numerous outstanding leadership, community service and other awards throughout Chattanooga area. She is a Silver Star and Life time member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Pi Omega Chapter; Third Generation Gospel Singers of Chattanooga, Sounds of Unity Heritage Mass Choir. Also a member of other Boards, Civic and Professional Organizations. She is a dedicated member of the Antioch Missionary Baptist Church. Pat is the proud wife of Herbert Gray.

We recently requested your input regarding what you perceived to be the top five criminal justice issues impacting your communities. While we appreciate the results received from those who participated, it is clear that a significant number of CEOs did not respond, and we need your assistance. As you are aware, discussions we hold with various policy makers is reflective of concerns raise by our CEO membership base and should represent an appropriate sampling of CEOs.

To that extent the survey is being placed back on the National Office web site and in this e-mail. You can access the survey by clicking on the link below. To allow the National Office sufficient time to analyze the results and produce an interim report that will be finalized, please complete the survey no later than September 15, 2008.

Now that the business of NOBLE has began in a mighty way. The Executive Board that represents you will be convening throughout the year. I extend this invitation to encourage Associate Members to participate in the executive Board meetings coming to a city near you.

For those interested in organizational leadership this will be an ideal opportunity to witness how NOBLE works for you. Below is a list of the dates and locations of the 2008-2009 NOBLE Executive Board meetings. These meetings are open to all NOBLE members unless the meeting is closed due to an executive session.

Associate members are also encouraged to become active in leadership roles at the chapter and regional level as well. Don't forget to participate in the national standing committees which occasionally are chaired by an associate member.

For those associate members who will succeed me on the Board, it is imperative to attend at least one Board meeting and especially smart to use this as a part of your platform. This will truly begin your preparation as the next National Associate Members Representative or a well rounded member for your organization.

Fall Board Meeting

• November 7-8, 2008
• Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego
• (During IACP Conference)
• One Market Place
• San Diego, CA 92101
• Room Rate: $245.00

Winter Board Meeting
February 18-19, 2009
To be announced This Board meeting is held with the CEO Symposium 2/20/2008-2/21/2008

Spring Board Meeting

• May 29-30, 2009
• Norfolk Waterside Marriott
• 235 East Main Street
• Norfolk, VA 23510
• Room Rate: $79.00

Summer Board Meeting

• July 24, 2009
• Norfolk Waterside Marriott
• (During 33rd Annual Training Conference & Exhibition)
• 235 East Main Street
• Norfolk, VA 23510
• Room Rate: $146.00

I look forward to sharing information with you again.

Peace & Blessings,
Jill Smallwood-Rustin
National Associate Members Representative

NOBLE extends a hearty welcome to our newest member, Chief Joel DeCoursey, Jr., of the Alachua, FL Police Department.

City Manager Clovis Watson sifted through nearly 80 applicants for the chief's job before selecting Chief DeCoursey.

The chief was well prepared for the job. He was a Captain and 25 year veteran of the Alachua County Sheriff's Office when he was detailed as Interim Police Chief in May following the retirement of Chief Robert Jernigan.

DeCoursey has local roots. He is a 1978 graduate of Buchholz High School and graduated from the police academy in 1986. He then worked for the University of Florida Police Department for two years before being hired as an Alachua police officer in 1988. Two years later he was hired by the Sheriff's Office.

Demographically, Alachua has approximately 10,000 residents and the police department has 30 employees, of which are 20 officers.

In an interview with the Gainesville Sun newspaper DeCoursey remarked, "I had initially said no, that I wasn't interested in being a police chief, but I was born and raised in this area and I have a lot of family here. Also, this department has welcomed me with open arms." DeCoursey, the father of two adult children, said he has not yet discussed his salary with city officials, but said he was certain it would be fair. He is taking over an agency of 30 employees, including 20 officers, to serve a population of nearly 10,000 residents.

To Chief DeCoursey; congratulations on your appointment and welcome to NOBLE!

NOBLE chapters nationwide will collect used cell phones, which will be recycled to benefit domestic violence victims

The National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE) and Verizon Wireless are working together to aid victims of domestic violence. NOBLE is participating in Verizon Wireless' HopeLineŽ phone recycling program, where NOBLE chapters nationwide will collect cell phones that are no longer in use, resulting in support for domestic violence prevention programs, including victim assistance, around the country.

"As law enforcement professionals, domestic violence is a crime that we see all too often. A victim should not have to be injured or killed before the proverbial 'system' gets involved. Victims must be educated regarding the full range of options available to prevent and interdict such criminal behavior," said Joseph McMillan, NOBLE National President. "NOBLE is proud to partner with Verizon Wireless to help educate the public on this issue and to benefit such a worthwhile cause."

Proceeds from the HopeLine program are used to provide wireless phones and grants to local shelters and non-profit organizations that focus on domestic violence prevention and awareness. Phones given to HopeLine that can be refurbished are sold for reuse and those without value are disposed of in an environmentally sound way.

"A wireless phone can be an essential safety tool for a victim of domestic violence, but it can also be used as a lifeline to stay in touch with family, counselors and employers as these women and men work to rebuild their lives," said Gabe Esposito, director of corporate security and business continuity at Verizon Wireless. "We're extremely pleased to work with NOBLE on their collection of old wireless phones in support of our HopeLine program and its mission of domestic violence prevention."

NOBLE conducted a HopeLine drive earlier this year, where several thousand phones were collected.

President Andrew Smalling and the South Chapter were officially recognized at the NOBLE Annual Conference for collecting the most phones during our Spring drive.

We ask each chapter and member to support this effort as we approach National Domestic Violence Month.

To order collection boxes and literature, please contact Debra Lewis at VerizonWireless (908) 559-7512 or via e-mail: debra.lewis@verizonwireless.com.

Please forward the following info to Pamela Chapman (at the National Office by NOVEMBER 5, 2008:

• The number of phones collected
• A description of special events and/or activities held in conjunction with the phone collection drive

With a suggested retail price starting around $44,000 the Cadillac DTS is one of the dominate players in the luxury car market. Edmonds.com describes the Cadillac experience as, "powerful V8 motivation, classy uptown styling and a roomy, sumptuous interior.

Chairman Wesley Thomas and the Ways & Means Committee have done a great job with this raffle and the Executive Board has authorized that only 6,000 $25 tickets be printed and sold.

The proceeds will benefit NOBLE. To secure your tickets please contact your chapter president, your regional vice president or e-mail the Ways & Means Committee.

The National Law Enforcement Recruiters Association is proud to announce our upcoming National Conference on Law Enforcement Diversity Training to be held September 22 - 23, 2008 at the Marriott Crystal City in Washington, DC.

This year's conference features some of the top talent in law enforcement diversity recruiting including speakers from:

• National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE)
• National Latino Peace Officers Association (NLPOA)
• National Native American Law Enforcement Association (NNALEA)
• Wounded Warrior Project
• US Army Alumni and Career Assistance Program
• Law Enforcement and Diversity Solutions
• Seyfarth Shaw LLP
• Arlington County, VA Police Department
• LawEnforcementJobs.com

Diversity recruiting is a dynamic discipline changing with local demographic ebbs and flows. Don't miss out on your best opportunity to learn directly from the top instructors in law enforcement! Attendees will be able to immediately implement the ideas and methods taught and improve their overall diversity recruiting program.

As always, NLERA will provide breakfast, lunch, and snacks each day and a first night reception to meet your fellow recruiters! Attendees will also receive a free renewal of their membership or free membership saving you $100! Group discounts are available!

NLERA training is limited to 100 participants from law enforcement, corrections, public safety and major Fortune 500 security firms with recognized federal contracts. All attendees will receive an NLERA 2008 Certificate of Diversity Training.

HOTEL CUTOFF DATE IS AUGUST 21, 2008. PLEASE STATE YOU ARE FROM THE NATIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT RECRUITERS ASSOCIATION TO RECEIVE YOUR DISCOUNT!

Celebrate Safe Communities (CSC) is designed to spotlight communities' crime prevention efforts, enhance public awareness of vital crime prevention and safety messages, and recruit year-round support for ongoing prevention activities that help keep neighborhoods safe from crime. This initiative will help local communities organize safety-focused events. Local CSC activities held in October to coincide with Crime Prevention Month will help Americans of all ages recognize that a safer community is no accident and that crime prevention is everyone's business every day of the year.

Tell us about your local initiative!

When you register your local initiative, it is eligible for recognition and awards. Join the celebration and we'll connect you with resources and tools to make your event a success and, at your option, provide a way for people to contact you for an activity ideas exchange!

President Vera Bumpers-Pentecost and the members of the Houston Chapter present their 5th Annual Golf Tournament on Saturday, November 1, 2008 at Hermann Park Golf Course, 2155 N. Macgregor Way Houston, Texas 77030.

Early Bird Registration Fee: $75 per player
Entry Fee: $90 per player (After first 50 have registered)
4 Man Scramble
Registration: 7:00-7:45 a.m.
Shotgun Start at 8:00 a.m.

Your Entry Fee Includes the following complimentary Items:

• Greens Fee & shared cart, per player
• 1st. 2nd. 3rd. place awards
• Scoring Services
• Longest Drive Award ($250)
• Barbecue Lunch/Drink Tickets
• Closest to the Pin Award! ($250)
• Beverages
• Prizes awarded to the winners of the skill events.
• Door prizes will also be given away.