The Town of Herndon in northern Virginia has been excluded from a countywide police training academy after its police chief, Maggie DeBoard, complained about Chinese signatures on graduation certificates. DeBoard raised concerns about the certificates being signed in a language other than English, which she felt was unacceptable for her agency. In response, the county terminated Herndon’s affiliation with the academy, leading to a review of the incident by the town. Herndon, a part of Fairfax County just outside Washington D.C., has its own police force separate from the larger Fairfax County Police Department, which is the primary user of the academy.
Town Manager Bill Ashton defended Chief DeBoard, stating that the recent interaction with the academy should not be viewed as discriminatory. Ashton highlighted DeBoard’s dedication as a public servant and emphasized that the issue was inconsistent with her character. Fairfax County Police Chief Kevin Davis declined to comment on the dispute but supported academy director Maj. Wilson Lee, who has been signing graduation certificates with Chinese characters for 16 years without prior criticism. Davis pointed out that the signature reflects Lee’s heritage pride and should not be a cause for concern.
A former Herndon police officer previously filed a lawsuit against the town alleging sexual harassment and discrimination by a supervisor. The lawsuit also accused Chief DeBoard of failing to address the harassment, leading to complaints of racial discrimination by other officers. While the lawsuit was settled before trial, court documents indicated that DeBoard took the concerns seriously and would have recommended firing the accused supervisor, who resigned prior to any action being taken. The town’s lawyers suggested that the complaints of racial discrimination were made by officers facing disciplinary measures.
The exclusion of Herndon from the countywide police training academy has raised questions about cultural sensitivity and language preferences within law enforcement training programs. Chief DeBoard’s request for certificates signed in English highlights concerns about inclusivity and professionalism in the training process. However, support for academy director Maj. Wilson Lee’s traditional Chinese signature signals a debate over the balance between heritage pride and standardized practices within law enforcement agencies. This incident underscores the importance of communication and understanding among diverse communities within the criminal justice system.
The termination of Herndon’s affiliation with the academy and the subsequent review of the incident by Town Manager Bill Ashton indicate a need for dialogue and reconciliation between the town’s police department and county authorities. While Chief DeBoard’s actions have sparked controversy, her commitment to the agency and efforts to address concerns raised by officers demonstrate a dedication to maintaining a fair and respectful work environment. Moving forward, the town of Herndon and the Fairfax County Criminal Justice Academy may need to establish clear guidelines to ensure effective communication and cooperation in police training and operations.
As the dispute between Herndon and the county unfolds, there is an opportunity for both parties to engage in constructive dialogue and find common ground to address the underlying issues. By fostering a sense of mutual respect and understanding, law enforcement agencies can work towards promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within their ranks. The resolution of this incident will likely require a collaborative effort from all involved parties to uphold professional standards while respecting cultural differences and individual identities within the criminal justice system.
