I am convinced that nothing can compromise officer safety more than leaders who either fail or are unable to lead their men and women into a close, collaborative relationship with the people they serve.
That is my experience, my study and my observation.
I served over 20 years as the chief of police in Madison (WI), four years as chief of the Burnsville (MN) Police Department, and before that as a police officer in Edina (MN) and the City of Minneapolis. I hold graduate degrees from the University of Minnesota and Edgewood College in Madison. I have written many articles over my years as a police leader. After retiring from the police department, I answered a call to ministry, attended seminary, and was ordained as a priest in the Episcopal Church. After 25 years leading two Episcopal Churches in Portage and North Lake, Wisconsin, I now serve as Associate Pastor in a growing, dynamic, and Spirit-filled Lutheran congregation in nearby Mazomanie.
View all posts by David Couper
I am convinced that nothing can compromise officer safety more than leaders who either fail or are unable to lead their men and women into a close, collaborative relationship with the people they serve.
Improving Police: A Necessary Conversation 