The recent dismissal of Etan Nasreddin-Longo from his role at the Vermont State Police (VSP) has sparked significant concern among racial justice advocates regarding the state’s dedication to unbiased policing. Nasreddin-Longo, who occupied a key position for five years, focused on cultivating trust between law enforcement and communities of color. His unexpected termination by Public Safety Commissioner Jennifer Morrison came without explanation, despite a recent positive performance review indicating excellence in his work.
The Vermont Department of Public Safety has announced that Nasreddin-Longo is no longer employed but asserts that their commitment to fair and impartial policing remains steadfast. However, this assurance has not assuaged the concerns of many involved in the initiative. Stephanie Seguino, a longstanding member of the Vermont Fair and Impartial Policing Committee, expressed her dismay, noting that the firing damages trust and could impede ongoing efforts to better serve marginalized communities.
Nasreddin-Longo’s role was pivotal; he was one of the few policymakers of color within the state’s law enforcement framework, acting as a crucial link between the police and the communities aiming to earn their trust. His contributions were previously recognized when he received an award for his dedication from the Department of Public Safety in 2022.
The abrupt nature of his dismissal has drawn criticism from various quarters, including state Rep. Kevin Christie, who labeled the firing as “incomprehensible” and suggested it may send a discouraging message to people of color in Vermont. Xusana Davis, the director of the Vermont Office of Racial Equity, also voiced concern, emphasizing Nasreddin-Longo’s qualifications and the potential impact on the integrity of ongoing work.
Nasreddin-Longo expressed concern for the future of the relationships he fostered and emphasized the importance of inclusivity in policymaking, stating that maintaining the trust and involvement of affected communities is essential for social progress. His firing, closely followed by the retrieval of his state-issued equipment and vehicle by troopers, highlights the precarious nature of initiatives aimed at building equitable and impartial policing.
The situation raises broader questions about the ability of the Vermont Department of Public Safety to continue developing effective and fair policies in the absence of a leader who was deeply committed to bridging the gap between law enforcement and community trust.