The National Policing Institute team brings you this special issue of InFocus, a series in which we address various topics in policing. This month, we are breaking away from our typical format and focusing on the most important ingredient in policing: people.
The big picture: Policing takes people. Great policing takes people with innovative ideas.
In this special issue of InFocus, we are spotlighting what we believe is the most important ingredient for a successful police agency—PEOPLE. Much like our special feature in May where we honored the police profession, this month’s issue is unique as it is all about people with great ideas. We hope you’ll indulge us as we highlight leaders who have spent their careers in pursuit of better, safer, and more innovative policing.
First up: Icons in policing: This week, we honor Chief Kathleen M. O’Toole and Sheriff Jerry L. Clayton as part of our annual awards program.
Chief O’Toole
NPI’s Commissioner Patrick V. Murphy Award honors a police professional who has taken bold steps to improve, reform, or advance policing from within the profession. Chief O’Toole has done just that in agencies across the US and the Atlantic. From becoming Boston’s first female police commissioner to contributing to the Northern Ireland Peace Process, Chief O’Toole’s ethics, inclusiveness, and resolve are unrivaled. Learn more about her iconic career here.
Sheriff Clayton
NPI’s Hubert Williams Equal Justice and Effective Policing Award recognizes a police professional who champions and promotes fairness, equal justice, and the civil rights of all. Throughout his 36-year career, Sheriff Clayton has embodied these principles. He fundamentally changed the community landscape of Washtenaw County, Michigan, where he is the longest-serving and first Black sheriff. Sheriff Clayton is known for his focus on community wellness.
Researchers in policing: Most will agree that great policing is fueled by evidence. And that evidence is made possible by research.
- NPI now has affiliated scholars. Led by our Chief Science Advisor, Dr. David Weisburd, the program comprises scholars from across academia with research specialization in policing practice and crime reduction. Scholars partner with NPI’s in-house research team to further strengthen our research impact. Learn more about our impressive first cohort of scholars.
- Newly released lecture. NPI’s Ideas in American Policing series captures leading criminologists’ thoughtful insights about topics across the policing profession. In the most recent essay, Dr. Dennis Rosenbaum explores the current crisis around police legitimacy and introduces a new system of accountability and transparency that has the potential to cultivate lasting trust in communities. Read his essay here or watch his lecture here.
Practitioners in policing: NPI is well-connected with those serving America’s communities, particularly those whose innovation fuels great policing.
- NPI helps facilitate the NIJ LEADS Scholars Program. The Law Enforcement Advancing Data and Science (LEADS) Scholars Program invites practitioners to advance their research skills to better integrate evidence-based policing into their agencies and, as a result, the broader profession. NPI is happy to share, on behalf of NIJ, the newest scholarship cohort. We also featured a few past and present scholars as part of our July InFocus issue. Click here in case you missed it.
- NPI recognizes the contributions of its fellows. Our fellowship program includes current and former police practitioners whose knowledge, experience, and skills further advance our mission. Fellows help ensure we are grounded in a comprehensive understanding of the practical needs of today’s law enforcement. Here is what a few of our fellows have been up to:
- Lieutenant Travis Norton and Chief Rick Myers (ret.) are currently supporting the Louisville Metro Police Department in conducting an after-action review of a 2023 bank shooting.
- Chief Ken Clary serves as a subject matter expert for our Rural Violent Crime Reduction Initiative (RVCRI) team, supporting rural agencies nationwide in implementing policies to reduce crime in their communities.
- Captain Bill Walsh recently supported the Philadelphia Police Department in the development of its peer support program.
- Several fellows recently authored articles related to issues that matter to policing. Keep an eye out on NPI’s LinkedIn over the coming months to see what they’re saying.
NPI in policing: Our team is comprised of researchers, past and present police practitioners, and others who envision safe, professional, effective policing for everyone, every time.
We invite you to meet a few of the people who make up our Board of Directors and the NPI team. Continue scrolling to learn where you may see us later this week and next in Boston, Massachusetts, during the annual International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) conference.
- A diverse and esteemed Board of Directors. With vast experience across policing, business, philanthropy, and academia, NPI’s board guides our mission and vision. Click on the video below or follow this link to learn more about our board leadership.
- A retired police chief now on NPI’s senior leadership team. Humberto Cardounel, Senior Director of Training and Technical Assistance, is helping shape the future of a profession his son is now entering.
- Our work and the people who make it possible. NPI is busier than ever, and the future is bright with more important work on the horizon. Below are a few key projects and their corresponding project teams which you may find interesting.
NPI staff includes those highlighted above and shown below. These men and women work hard to make NPI’s mission achievable. Each play a role in vital parts of our organization. Learn more about this team by clicking on the image.
We hope to see you this week and next in Boston.
Several NPI staff will be at the IACP conference in Boston, Massachusetts, this week and next. Our team will facilitate meaningful discussions and share data and findings from recent studies. Click here to see where we will be.
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