Black History Month: LPD officer steps into new role
Originally published May 20, 2021.
At a young age, Ronnie Best, Jr. knew his optimal career path. He was sitting in a classroom during his elementary years when a visitor altered the course of his life.
“Ever since I was in the fourth or fifth grade, after a Greensboro Police Detective came to speak to our class, I knew I wanted to be police officer.”
Last month, Lexington Police Department (LPD) Chief Robby Rummage, announced at a city council meeting, that Best would be promoted to a newly created position: Captain of Professional Standards and Community Engagement effective April 26.
In his statement to the council Rummage expressed the importance of community input. “I know and understand the community must have a voice. Police leaders cannot discount these ideas. We must balance them.”
Best had this goal as well as others in mind when he accepted the role. “I took this position because it fits my style of work. The goals I have are to make everyone feel safe in their encounters with law enforcement. I would also like to educate people on their rights when encountering law enforcement. People need to realize that on the side of the road is not the place to argue on a stop. All they need to do is comply and file a complaint if they feel they were treated wrong.”
With an understanding that disseminating information is key, Best is eager to be able to interact with citizens more frequently.
“I like to engage people and research things to make sure they are correct. The engagement will be a great tool I possess in the community by talking to everyone from the elderly to the youngest generation. Community engagement is important because it bridges the gap between the police and community or vice versa.”
Captain Best was on hand to help present a bike to a young citizen in 2020
{Contributed photo/Lexington Police Department}
A native of LaGrange, NC, Best is married to Susan and has two daughters. After graduating from Dudley High in Greensboro (where he was raised), his journey into law enforcement took an unconventional route. Best graduated from North Carolina Central University in 1996 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice. Despite spending his first eight years post-college working at car dealerships, his dream of becoming a police officer was still at the forefront of his mind.
In 2005, Best “was lucky enough” to be hired by LPD. With a commitment to himself that he would retire with whatever department hired him, he has remained true to his word. When Best came to Lexington, ascension into management was his desire. However, it came with challenges.
“I know when I started people would say I would never make supervision like [the late] Lt. Jimmie Bryson or [retired officers] Lt. Ronald Hargrave and Lt. Ralph Michaels, Jr.,” recalled Best. “All I know is that I did my job and treated everyone with respect and fairness. When these things were said it only pushed me to be where these lieutenants were and add my own legacy to it using what I learned from them.”
With policing taking center stage during the last year as protests have erupted across the country, Best is cognizant of the eyes on law enforcement and himself.
“As a black man in law enforcement, I would like to see more people of color, males and females, in the law enforcement field of work. We’re a target because of the things we cannot control in society. We need more role models in our communities to show that law enforcement is not a bad career whatever race you are.”
Although he’s witnessed the department taking steps forward, Best admits it’s been difficult to pinpoint specific areas they need to improve upon regarding community engagement due to the pandemic. With restrictions being lifted, he’s hopeful citizens will provide grace as they work towards progress.
“I ask for citizens of Lexington to give the police patience and time. We are human and no one is perfect. We must be respectful and fair to each other no matter our encounter.”
To contact Best, he may be reached at RLBest@lexington.nc.gov or at (336)243-3315.
