"I have told you this story not to weaken you, but to strengthen you. Now it is up to you." These powerful words, taken from an inmate at the Sachenhausen concentration camp, culminated a very unique day of diversity training for the Cincinnati Police Department's 101st recruit class. Created and hosted by The Center for Holocaust and Humanity Education (CHHE), 51 recruits gathered to learn from history and recognize the significant lessons relevant to today and their new profession. Officers were exposed to a poignant and haunting fact: Nazi Germany used law enforcement to carry out the events of the Holocaust, from persecution to extermination. Ultimately, that detail became the springboard for further analysis and exploration essential in sensitizing recruits to the power of the badge. "When taking the oath you will be placed in a unique situation. You will be granted great power- the power to take away someone's life and liberty and changing a life for either good or bad. You decide which path someone's life takes, positive or negative," urged Sergeant Adam Hennie. "You need to think about these choices as a citizen of this country and also as a human being. Treat people like human beings and use your authority properly and with respect for people."

Held on December 12th and led through the efforts of CHHE's Executive Director, Sarah Weiss in partnership with the Cincinnati Police department, the training exposed the recruits to a greater understanding of Judaism and the Holocaust. Through historical case study, eyewitness testimony and reflective discussion, a series of key concepts were emphasized and presented such as the importance of critical thinking, tolerance and compassion, the detriment of complacency and silence, and the power of individual choice and its outcomes- positive and negative. The cultural competency component on Judaism was led by four rabbinical students under the leadership of Stacey Delcau, Director of Outreach for Hebrew Union College. The presentations provided background on cultural differences and religious observances and gave a foundation of the rich history and traditions of the Jewish victims of the Holocaust. The major component of the training focused on the Holocaust and included a tour of CHHE's permanent interactive exhibit, Mapping Our Tears, eyewitness testimonies from a local Holocaust survivor and liberator and a workshop, outlining the outcomes of bigotry and discrimination.

"The Nazi rise to power meant the end of holding police to a higher standard. In essence the police were free to act without restraint and without regard for individual rights," explained Lotta Stone, CHHE's Director of Education. She emphasized the roles of victims, perpetrators, bystanders and "upstanders", described as ordinary people who chose to act on behalf of others, either within or outside of the system. To underscore the relationship between attitudes and acts of prejudice with that of violence and genocide Stone declared, "The Holocaust did not happen in a vacuum. It started with bullying and ended with mass murder."

Participants were also sensitized through interaction with Holocaust eyewitnesses. The experiences of retired Cincinnati Police Colonel, U.S. Army Captain and World War II liberator, Elmer Reis and Holocaust survivor, Werner Coppel resonated in both the hearts and minds of the soon-to-be Cincinnati Police officers. Werner translated his own experience in the concentration camp of Auschwitz into action, urging the recruits to "Stand up against hate and prejudice, even if it does not affect you." Elmer also advocated the importance of learning from our history. "You don't run from the truth," he imparted, "you face it." Officers dialogued throughout the day, reflecting on the value of remembering history to avoid repeating the mistakes of the past. "We are all equal and should be treated equally," stated Cincinnati Police recruit Barnabas. "It's old school, but just follow the golden rule. Treat others how you want to be treated. Don't stereotype. The one or two people doing wrong does not represent an entire community."

Before closing, a panel of five officers ranging in experience and ranking shared stories, offered advice and delivered urgent messages regarding personal responsibility and accountability. "This is a great job, but it comes with a lot of responsibility. Every vice known to man, you will cross on this job," cautioned Officer Adam Savino. "Your integrity has to be at its highest level. You are responsible for upholding an idea that makes this country great... everyone is treated equal. You have to represent that." As passionately articulated by Cincinnati Police Chief, Thomas Streicher, "I want them to walk away from here with the knowledge that they are going to have to be courageous in life and even more courageous in the performance of their duties in order to be able to treat people with that ultimate sense of fairness, with honor, with respect."

The Cincinnati Police Department's 101st Recruit Class will receive their commissions on Friday, December 14th after 40 hours of diversity training and 24 full weeks of police training. Representing five districts of Cincinnati spanning over 78 square miles, these officers will serve the citizens of this community with a better understanding and respect for history, a greater appreciation for diversity and a commitment to CHHE's mission to promote tolerance and social justice. As articulated by Sarah Weiss, "The diversity training served as powerful tool to provide the officers with an understanding of the role, which they are about to step into. Additionally, it stresses the importance of critical thinking so dehumanization and discrimination doesn't happen here in Cincinnati."

Weiss continued, "I believe that one of the greatest parts of teaching is learning. This experience has been an education for all involved. It broke down barriers and misconceptions of law enforcement. After a year of working with high ranking officers and the chief to develop this training and after meeting the recruits, I am confident in the Cincinnati Police Department's commitment to protecting life and dignity of all." Werner Coppel echoed Weiss' sentiments. "Having immigrated to Cincinnati in 1949 as a displaced person and now having the privilege to share my experiences with these outstanding people, I too, walk away breaking my own stereotypes of law enforcement. I take great pride in the men and women who serve and protect our community."