Still At It!

Author and Journalist Rob Zaleski and I recently appeared at a Madison event talking about Rob’s biography on ‘yours truly!” Here’s the story intro. You can catch the full text HERE.

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Some of us can’t shut up about what we know to be “doing the right thing” because we know it works! The purpose of this blog is to encourage our police and their leaders to listen, think, assess, and improve the system of policing a free society.

No, it’s not easy. But The alternative to developing a system of policing oriented and based on trust and consensus is FORCE… more and more use of force to gain compliance. I find that untenable as a citizen in a free and democratic society.

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Madison policing took years to reform, still needs work, ex-chief says

• By Nicholas Garton, Sep 18, 2023

“Former Madison Police Chief David Couper (1972-93} spoke candidly about his tenure as chief as well as systemic racism in policing, and the need for reform, during a town hall-style gathering Sunday at Leopold’s Books Bar Caffè.

“Couper was interviewed at the event by former Cap Times news reporter and columnist Rob Zaleski, who recently published a book about Couper’s time as Madison police chief.

“Couper’s was the first event of the seventh annual Cap Times Idea Fest, which this week also will include appearances from Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, who prosecuted former officer Derek Chauvin for George Floyd’s murder; former PBS news anchor Judy Woodruff; U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders; Martin Luther King Jr. biographer Jonathan Eig; and former January 6 Committee member Adam Kinzinger, among others.

“Couper didn’t pull punches as he spoke about the institutional racism of law enforcement, his efforts to diversify Madison’s police force, the pushback he received for policies aimed at reforming the way officers perform their duties, and his surprising decision to resign as chief in 1993 to become an Episcopal priest.

“Couper became police chief in 1972 after moving to Madison from Minneapolis and had a reputation as a progressive leader at a time when police forces were becoming militarized. For example, early in his tenure he instituted a policy that required Madison officers to respond to University of Wisconsin student protests in softer gear, without nightsticks and shields.

“Couper also instituted a policy that Madison police could not use deadly force other than in instances of self-defense.

“He took over the Police Department at a time when Madison was still reeling from violent clashes as UW became an epicenter for anti-Vietnam War demonstrations…”

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And here’s an update and and interview with me and those who followed my tenure in this recent article in the Wisconsin State Journal.

“Time On the Job Key For Top Cop”

By ANNA HANSEN, Sep 25, 2023

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While you’re at it you might read this review on Zaleski’s book journalist Dennis Hetzel.

“When he stepped down in 1993 after 21 contentious, but highly successful years as the police chief in ultra-liberal Madison, Wisconsin, David Couper was widely regarded as one of the most influential law enforcement officials in Wisconsin’s history. But little was known about his private life — or what motivated him to transform a paramilitary-type department into one that emphasized community relations…

“Unless you’ve been around Madison, Wisconsin, for a long time, or maybe you’re concerned about policing in America in these crazy days, you’ve likely never heard about a former Marine and police chief who became an Episcopal priest. His name is David Couper, and he has a lot to say…”