Research finds police body-worn cameras fall short of expectations “While much of the research is mixed, its conclusion counters some … More
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.
Red Flagging: What Happens When an Elected Sheriff Won’t Enforce the Law?
Two articles about Red Flag laws that somehow will not be enforced. A most confusing matter… the world has gone … More
What We’ve Learned (and failed to learn) About Handling Crowds and Protests
“Authorities, and in particular the police, can often have a profound role to play in producing the very violence that … More
Casuistry: Seeing the Particular in Both Sides
Malcolm Gladwell presents a most interesting podcast about “descending into the particular” — Casuistry* (see below). Which is to value … More
Excellence in Policing: What is It?
What is excellence in policing? Try digesting the following nine points and the included links and see what happens. Are … More
When is Enough Enough?
Here’s a List of School Shootings in 2019: Almost One a Week! It’s high time police leaders in America stand … More
Good Old, Effective Policing!
One thing I learned after being a street cop and police leader for over 30 years was this: the most … More
Top Ten Blogs: #1
Principles of Policing – 1829
Top Ten Blogs: #2
Why Police Matter
Top Ten Blogs: #3
Making Choices
Improving Police: A Necessary Conversation 