Author: David Couper

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 almost 30 years serving in and leading two Episcopal Churches in the Diocese of Milwaukee, I am "sort-of" in the process of retirement. Life is good.

Protest: Why Haven’t We Learned?

Once again, citizens have taken to our streets and campuses, occupied buildings, camped out and protested a major world event. … More

Police Leaders Organize!

What would police leaders across the country say about improving police and assuring safety in their communities if they weren’t … More

Is this Okay? The Power of Subculture

A subculture is a group of people within a cultural society that differentiates itself from the conservative and standard values … More

Recipe for Improvement: Three Giant Steps

Let’s cut to the chase! Our nation’s police will never improve until the following factors are in play — SERVANT … More

All Life Should Be Sacred!

[Note: The national focus after the death of George Floyd in 2020 to have shifted once again to our nation’s … More

The Policing of Dissent

[Protesters at George Washington University by Jordan Tovin for The Washington Post] ___________________________________________ “Congress shall make no law respecting…the right of … More