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.

Reform Police Training: A Conservative Case

“Nothing can be more corrosive to the legitimacy of police in a democracy than the pervasive sense that they view … More

Officer: Read This Book!

Malcolm Gladwell’s new book, “Talking to Strangers: What We Should Know About the People We Don’t Know,” ought to be … More

How many Jaylan’s are in our wake?

This is a far too familiar story around our nation. Here’s what recently retired police sergeant has to say. And … More

When Leaders Don’t Lead

I can’t help thinking that the continuing press by many citizens for external oversight of their police is the result … More

Leadership (again) Matters!

If a police chief is going to be able to do what he or she needs to do in order … More

Reducing Use of Force: A Success Story

I recently received this correspondence from an old friend, Chuck Wexler, who serves as the executive director of the Police … More

Someone Who Needs Deportation: Jim Crow

“The centuries-long struggle to birth a truly inclusive, egalitarian democracy — a nation in which every voice and every life … More

How Are Police Viewed: Peacemakers or Occupiers?

i was wondering when we would come around to discuss the issue of how police present themselves. What’s in an … More

Roll Call: Listen Up!

Officer, your sergeant has something she wants to share with you… [Ed Note: The following is a recent post by … More

Reform Lessons Learned at NOPD

Ed. Note: I found the following article to be very consistent with what I learned during my 20+ years reforming/improving … More