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.

Time For “Less-Lethal” Restraints

Think about the numerous incidents of police trying to arrest a person (often of color) who is armed with a … More

BOHICA!

BOHICA — Acronym of “bend over, here it comes again.” Used colloquially to indicate that an adverse situation is about to repeat itself, and that acquiescence is the wisest or only … More

On Police and their Health

I can strongly attest to the necessity and effectiveness of policies and programs to improve the health and wellness of … More

Goon Squads

“The officers did not have a warrant, and some called themselves ‘The Goon Squad’ because of their willingness to use … More

Reimagining

“Reimagining Safety,” a new (2024) documentary on Amazon Prime. In it, ten experts discuss how policing and incarceration create more … More

Three Powerful Words

Three words for police leaders to enable personal and organizational transformation and continuous improvement 1. Passion To be deeply committed … More

Fatal Police Pursuits

To Pursue or Not? [Note: I am posting a trending note today from Chuck Wexler, Executive Director of my professional … More

Using Physical Force

Sociologist Egon Bittner (1921-2011) defined the role of the police as “a mechanism for the distribution of non-negotiably coercive force employed in … More