Icons | Think Tanks Series | Paul Goldenberg, Miller Center on Policing and Community Resilience

In this engaging podcast series hosted by Thomas Canavan, the Executive Director of the National Law Enforcement Museum, we examine the vital role that law enforcement think tanks and policy centers play in shaping contemporary policing practices. Each episode features in-depth interviews with leading experts in the field, exploring their insights, research, and the innovative strategies they advocate to enhance public safety and community engagement.Paul Goldenberg recounted a remarkable career in law enforcement, beginning in Irvington, New Jersey, and evolving into complex undercover work in South Florida, where he infiltrated dangerous criminal organizations. This early phase, though emotionally demanding, laid the foundation for his later pioneering work in hate crimes enforcement. At the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office, a pivotal encounter with a desecrated cemetery inspired him to create one of the nation’s first comprehensive hate crimes units. Paul’s career later extended to national and international roles, including service on the Homeland Security Advisory Council and work with the OSCE, where he focused on protecting religious minorities and fostering trust between police and vulnerable populations.Currently affiliated with Rutgers University’s Miller Center for Policing, Paul remains committed to innovation and community engagement in law enforcement. The conversation also covered the March of the Living event, a powerful Holocaust commemoration where police leaders from around the world gather at Auschwitz to affirm democratic values and stand against hate. The event includes an academic course co-developed with the University of Virginia, emphasizing the importance of ethical policing. Paul stressed the need for vigilance, professional development, and education to ensure police uphold democratic principles, especially in times of global uncertainty and rising extremism.View the Museum's Public Program page to learn more about each participant.https://nleomf.org/museum/precinct-444/