Video Transcript

Why is IACP important?  

Wray: The threat landscape we're confronting is constantly evolving. So our work in law enforcement, not just here in the United States but really all over the world, grows more and more complex every day. And as IACP recognized something like 131 years ago, partnerships are the key to staying ahead of the threat and keeping our communities safe.  

You know, since the Bureau's founding all the way back in 1908, IACP has been an integral partner for the FBI, bringing together both big-city departments, some, frankly, with more employees than we have at the Bureau, and police forces in small towns that might only have a few officers total. But no matter where we all come from, across the country, around the world, big department, small department, what brings us together is our shared understanding of the power of partnerships. It's the realization that each one of IACP's 34,000 member organizations and something like 170 countries brings something unique to the table. And building relationships, learning from each other, leveraging our collective authority. Working together is really the key to preparing all of us in law enforcement to tackle the threats facing our communities.  

Why are partnerships important for law enforcement?  

Wray: One of the most important lessons we learned from the attacks on 9/11, and frankly, it's just as true today, is that no single agency can confront the complex and continuously evolving threats we face alone. So, if we're going to stay ahead of the threat, we've got to work together.  

And that's why so much of what we do at the FBI today is rooted in partnerships. Our task force is where we work side by side with our local, state, tribal, and territorial partners, our force multipliers, and together, we're protecting our communities and our national security, bringing all our collective knowledge and experience and insight to bear as a team so we can best confront the threat and keep Americans safe.  

What are the qualities important for effective partnerships?  

Wray: To me, the characteristics that make for the most effective partnerships are exceptional people and mutual trust. And I'm proud to say that in today's law enforcement, we see that in spades. And you see it on display at ICP. Today we've got more than 750 joint task forces covering down on terrorism, violent crime, cyber threats, gangs and so many other threats to our safety and security.  

The heart and soul of those task forces is the something like 9000 task force officers that chiefs and sheriffs around the nation are willing to devote to our task forces so we can do even more work together. Those task force officers work shoulder to shoulder with FBI special agents and intelligence analysts to tackle some of the toughest challenges we face in law enforcement, and the fact that law enforcement leaders continue to send us their best and brightest is a testament to the mutual trust we share.   Today's law enforcement community, both here at home and around the world, is more integrated than ever before. Whether you're talking about the investigations, we're working together to keep our community safe, the different resources and expertise we bring to the table, or the common challenges we face, the connections between our agencies and departments are deep and lasting.

You know, I tell our National Academy graduates that the bad guys aren't limited by international borders.  So, we, the good guys, can't be either. And what we're doing here at IACP demonstrates that spirit and our collective commitment to protect those we serve.