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.

Leaders, On What Do You Stand?

Ten years ago, this petition was presented. Today, only a few police or community leaders are willing to sign it. … More

The Art of Bending Granite

It CAN be done! Bending Granite: 30+ True Stories of Leading Change [Excerpts from my chapter on policing] Surely the … More

Sadly… Deaths by Police Continue!

Washington Post: Fatal police shootings in 2021 set record since The Post began tracking, despite public outcry Police shot and killed … More

Policing is a “Calling” — Not Just a Job!

“Fresh out of the Baltimore police academy just three weeks ago, 24-year-old Jaslyn Koger knows that her unique advantage as … More

Policing Others

How is policing a city in America like our military action in Afghanistan? You may not see the similarities, but … More

Missing Cheri on the Death of Thich Nhat Hahn

Thích Nhất Hạnh died on January 22nd. You might wonder why his death is noted on a blog site about … More

A City and Its Police: Minneapolis

I know I have retired from active posting on this site, but I have to include this excellent interview with … More

2021: The Favorite Five

What is Modern 21st Century Policing? Principles of Policing (1829) Making Choices: The Moral Aspects of Policing Courage: More Than … More

Now — “Arrested Development,” 3rd Ed.

Here is the Introduction to my third edition. (You might want to send a copy of this book either the … More

“George Floyd: Where to from Here?”

Are you wondering how you can help someone who is a police officer or plans on being one? Perhaps a … More