Damon is a multifaceted individual whose passion and expertise span across various fields. With a diverse background and a wealth of experience, Damon has made a significant impact as an author, activist, and publisher. His commitment to improving individuals’ lives and society is evident through his work in multiple domains.
Damon’s dedication as an activist is apparent through his tireless efforts to raise awareness and advocate for positive change in various areas. Whether promoting mental health awareness, supporting sustainable and ethical dietary choices, or improving relationships and family dynamics, Damon’s activism is driven by social responsibility.
Damon’s dedication as an activist is apparent through his tireless efforts to raise awareness and advocate for positive change in various areas. Whether promoting mental health awareness, supporting sustainable and ethical dietary choices, or improving relationships and family dynamics, Damon’s activism is driven by social responsibility.
In addition to his activism, Damon’s role as a publisher showcases his commitment to sharing knowledge and empowering others. Through his publishing ventures, he amplified the voices of fellow authors and thought leaders, contributing valuable insights to the world.
Damon’s extensive background in psychology is reflected in his roles as a Couples and Family Therapy Coach and relationship psychology Practitioner. He brings knowledge to his coaching, helping individuals and couples navigate complex emotions, communication hurdles, and relationship dynamics.
His expertise as a Holistic Health Practitioner and Body Healing Coach further underscores his holistic approach to well-being. Damon recognizes the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit and guides individuals toward achieving balance and vitality through integrative health practices.
Damon’s credentials as a First Aid in Mental Health Practitioner highlight his commitment to addressing mental health concerns. He is equipped to provide immediate support and guidance to individuals in emotional distress, emphasizing the importance of mental well-being in overall health.
As a Diet and Nutrition Advisor and Vegan Vegetarian Nutrition Life Coach, Damon champions conscious dietary choices that promote health and environmental sustainability. His guidance empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their nutrition, fostering a positive impact on their well-being and the planet.
Damon’s remarkable 33-year career in law enforcement demonstrates his dedication to upholding justice and serving his community. This background has likely shaped his values of empathy, fairness, and social responsibility, which are evident in his various roles.
LAW ENFORCEMENT & COMMUNITY RELATIONS
Damon K. Jones is a 33-year veteran of the Westchester County Department of Corrections. Mr. Jones has served 13 years as a Union Delegate for the Westchester County Correction Officers Benevolent Association (COBA). Mr. Jones has participated in the Contract Negotiation, Welfare Fund, and Labor Management Committees.
Mr. Jones is the New York State Representative of Blacks in Law Enforcement of America. From 2006 to 2010, Mr. Jones served as the Northeast Region President of the National Black Police Association. Mr. Jones also served as a national board member and Chair of the National Membership Committee of the National Black Police Association. Mr. Jones is a member of the National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice.
With Mr. Jones’s leadership, Blacks in Law in Enforcement of America have strongly advocated for law enforcement and community relations. Helping to spearhead the Norwood E. Jackson Scholarship Fund, Save our Schools Mentoring Program, How do you know your child’s in a Gang, Are You a Victim of Domestic Violence, How Do You Survive Police Confrontation seminars series and Peacekeepers Initiative.
Mr. Jones assisted in advising Governor Paterson’s N.Y. State Police-on-Police Shooting Task Force on behalf of the National Black Police Association. The Task Force was created to examine the issues and implications arising from police-on-police shootings and confrontations, notably between on–duty and off-duty officers, and examine the disproportionality in shootings of African American officers while on-duty in plain clothes and off-duty. The report was a groundbreaking study to examine racial bias and perceptions within the law enforcement system.
Briana Ojeda died from an asthma attack while NYPD Officers refused to administer CPR because NYPD Officers didn’t receive yearly CPR training. Mr. Jones assisted the Ojeda family lawyer, Bonita Zelman, in proposing State Legislation called Briana’s Law to mandate that ALL NYPD Officers be trained in CPR. Former NYS Senator Eric Adams and Assemblyman Louis Ortiz sponsored this legislation.
Mr. Jones has given expert testimony on police policies and procedures on how they rate towards communities of color for the United Nations International Convention on Elimination of all Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD), the U.S. Prison System, and Human Rights. On behalf of Blacks in Law Enforcement of America, Mr. Jones’s recommendations were part of the ICERD 2014 Shadow Report.
Mr. Jones served on an advisory panel to the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, Thurgood Marshall Institute, in examining the coalition of police policies, procedures, police union collective bargaining agreements, and how it relates to transparency and accountability of law enforcement violations of use of force and deadly force. Mr. Jones has also assisted in yearly workshops examining how racial bias, unconscious or conscious, plays a role in policing communities of color.
Mr. Jones served on the Mount Vernon City Council Civilian Complaint Review Board (CCRB) advisory committee to create policy and legislation to establish a citywide CCRB. The CCRB is an independent oversight agency of the Mount Vernon Police Department. An impartial board tasked with investigating, mediating, and prosecuting complaints of misconduct on the part of the Mount Vernon Police Department.
Mr. Jones served on Westchester County Executive, George Latimer, Transition Team, Criminal Justice Sub-Committee. The purpose of the sub-committee was to examine the policies and procedures of Westchester County Public Safety, Probation, Corrections, and Emergency Services and make necessary recommendations to build mutual trust between the departments and the county they serve.
Mr. Jones represented Blacks in Law Enforcement of America in a co-sponsorship with the United Nations Southern New York Division for the May 2020 “Universal Periodic Review” (UPR) of its domestic human rights record at the United Nations Human Rights Council.
From June to December 2020, Mr. Jones served on the Westchester County Police Reform and Reimagining Task Force. The task force’s goal was to review the policies and procedures used at the Police Academy to train recruits and those already working in law enforcement to receive in-training and establish necessary changes and reforms.
Mr. Jones retired from the Westchester County Department of Corrections on August 15, 2023, after 33 years of service.
AWARDS AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Damon has been recognized by local, state, and national representatives and organizations for his hard work in addressing the need for transparency, accountability, justice, and curing socioeconomic disparities in communities of color.
City and State Magazine Westchester Power 100 list: 2020,21, 22, 23
- NYC Grand Council of Guardians Retirees, Man of the Year Award
- Proclamation from New York State Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins
- Proclamation from New York State Senator George Latimer
- White Plains/Greenburgh NAACP 2016 Criminal Justice Awards
- Grand Council of Guardians, Community Service Award 2016
- Certificate of Appreciation, NYC Public Advocate
- City Council of Mt. Vernon Certificate of Appreciation
- The Law Enforcement Appreciation Award from Jackson State University Criminal Justice and Sociology Department and the Alpha Phi Sigma Honor Society.
- Grand Council of Guardians Organizational Award 2008
- The NBPA Northeast Region Leadership Award
- New York State Assembly Certificate of Merit
- The NYC City Council Citation
- Westchester County Legislators Citation
- Church Women United of White Plains Dedicated Service Award
- 100 Black Men of Long Island Public Service Award
- Town of Hempstead Certificate of Recognition Award
- Town of Babylon, Office of the Supervisor Certificate of Special Recognition
- Town of North Hempstead Certificate Recognition, Achievement & Appreciation
- Nassau County Legislature Certificate of Recognition
- The New York State Certificate of Merit from the New York State Governor’s Office
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