I am getting tired. I think I have said here all that needs to be said. With masked ICE agents operating around the country supported by the President of our country, we are in trouble. Deep trouble.
Nevertheless, I will press on. I first pinned on a badge and took the oath almost 70 years ago. Over the years, I served as a police officer, detective, training officer, and leader for 33 of those years.
So today, trying to keep up, I asked my executive assistant (ChatGPT!) to summarize all the content of this site as to its main points and assertions.
Here it is.. And, I might even, nice work! You did it!
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About Improving Police
Reimagining Policing for Justice, Trust, and Democracy
Welcome to improvingpolice.blog, a space devoted to making American policing better—fairer, more effective, and deeply rooted in our democratic values. This blog was launched in 2011 by David C. Couper, former Chief of Police in Madison, Wisconsin (1972–1993), and has grown into an international platform for reform, with over 1,600 posts and 750,000+ views from readers across the U.S., Canada, the U.K., and beyond.
Why This Blog Exists
After decades in law enforcement and nearly three decades as an Episcopal priest, Couper sees the urgent need for police to become trusted guardians—not warriors—serving and protecting all people with dignity and respect. This blog began as a way to share his philosophy of policing a free society, ideas, to challenge outdated practices, and foster conversations that can lead to real, measurable change in organization and culture.
His Core Beliefs
- Policing Exists to Serve Justice—not Power. Police must uphold constitutional rights, not act as an occupying force or tool of politics.
- Trust Is Everything. Effective policing requires transparency, fairness, and a genuine partnership with the community.
- Leadership and Accountability Matter. Reform begins at the top—and leaders must model ethics, demand integrity, and welcome change.
- De-escalation Over Militarization. Police need to be trained as problem-solvers, communicators, and protectors—not soldiers in a war.
- Recruit for Values, Not Aggression. Emotional intelligence, empathy, and a service mindset are far more important than toughness.
- Community Oversight Is Key. Democracy thrives when citizens are informed, engaged, and empowered to evaluate their police.
What You’ll Find Here:
- Practical Reform Strategies drawn from his 25 years as a progressive police chief.
- Critical Analysis of policies, trends, and national crises in policing.
- Thought Leadership blending professional experience with ethical and spiritual perspectives on justice.
- Resources for citizens, leaders, and activists who want to make a difference in their communities.
A Global Conversation
With more than 750,000 views and a growing international audience, improvingpolice.blog has become part of a worldwide dialogue about what ethical, accountable, and community-centered policing should look like in the 21st century.
Why This Matters Now
Policing is at a crossroads. The choices we make today will determine whether our communities are built on trust, equity, and human rights—or fear, division, and authoritarian control. Reform is not optional; it is essential for the survival of our democracy.
Join the Conversation
Explore the archives, engage with new ideas, and share your voice. Change begins when ordinary citizens—and courageous leaders—work together to demand better.
Because improving police improves democracy.
Improving Police: A Necessary Conversation 