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.

Are You a Quality Leader? Summary and Scenarios (Part 3/3)

SUMMARY: The Principles of Quality Leadership SYSTEMS Improve SYSTEMS and examine processes before blaming people Have a CUSTOMER orientation and … More

Are You A Quality Leader? Principles 7-12 (Part 2/3)

7. AVOID TOP-DOWN POWER-ORIENTED DECISION-MAKING WHENEVER POSSIBLE. We should avoid the use of coercive power whenever possible. When we use … More

Self-Examine: Are You a Quality Leader? (Part 1/3)

Each of the Twelve Principles is followed by a set of questions that you need to ask yourself if you … More

Reflecting On What Could Be

Reflecting and life’s journey and those years spent in the ranks as a police officer and chief. “Assuredly, a most … More

The Medium is the Message

While I was a street cop, I studied to be a sociologist which is the study of human relationships and … More

Out of the Blue

At this time in my life I realized I needed to get in touch with my inner feelings regarding my … More

Police Are Not Going to Build Trust Until They Deal With This!

100 Million Police Stops: New Evidence of Racial Bias “Fix this, or forget about being trusted by a significant number … More

Officer, Are You World-Class? Is Your Department?

Pursuing excellence, or being the best you can be, should be something every police officer should aspire. Being a representative … More

International Policing

Thanks to police and community leaders from the following countries throughout the world. Improving police is an important international quest! … More