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.

Leadership Matters!

10 Most Important Leadership Skills For The 21st Century Workplace (And How To Develop Them) [Ed. Note: Every once in … More

Reflections of an Ex-cop

Journalist and author Rob Zaleski’s new book about me. For what it’s worth! “In the summer of 1990, I interviewed … More

Imagination

I have always thought the problem with American policing is a of imagination. After George Floyd’s murder in Minneapolis and … More

Uvalde: Day of Shame

Whew! I just saw the shocking online videos from the shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas on May … More

Policing an Armed Society

In light of the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent decision in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen, police in … More

Reimagining Blue

[Editor’s Note: While I am sort of retired from commenting on the state of policing in our nation, I will, … More

Cops and Traffic Tickets

This week the New York Times published an extensive review into the governmental practice of using police traffic enforcement as … More