“When it comes to policing, good training saves lives, period. You get out what you put in.” These words were spoken by Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson in a 2023 press conference discussing training that helped Dallas police reduce violent crime. I came across this quote as part of research for this year's grant proposals that Lynda Schwartz, NCPI’s Executive Director, is currently devoting every waking moment to preparing and submitting ahead of some very short deadlines. Although that particular grant proposal has been long submitted, this quote has stuck with me.

Despite all the issues with reliability, often, memories are the most important thing we have. Why? Because memories are the stories of us, individually and collectively. Good or bad, accurate or accurate-ish, they help shape perspectives, and the way we see the world – not just in retrospect but right now in this very moment.

Names matter and getting them right is important. There is lots of research that points to the psychology associated with naming things. Naming something gives us a sense of understanding and even control over it. It also signifies value and importance. At NCPI, we know that names matter. So much so, that after 25 years, we recently changed our own name.