Officer Dan Gastia was downtown in early June to help out with the 6th annual book drive for Literacy Volunteers of Bangor. Apparently, in the photo, taken in front of the Briar Patch bookstore on Central Street, the kids allowed Gastia to look at the pictures during the photo op—we appreciate it. Community members volunteered […]

FEATURED BLOGGER Bangor Police Department Authored by Sergeant Tim Cotton Bangor, Maine

What is our MPD’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU)?  This unit is staffed by two detectives and one intelligence officer.  This unit uses a focused deterrence model which is an evidence-based policing approach that identifies the most prolific repeat violent offenders in our community.  The offenders, once identified, are directly confronted and informed that continued criminal […]

FEATURED BLOGGER Michael Koval Chief of Police Madison Police Department, Wisconsin

Neighborhood Watch is one of the oldest and most effective crime prevention programs in the country, bringing citizens together with law enforcement to deter crime and make communities safer. Neighborhood Watch can trace its roots back to the days of colonial settlements when night watchmen patrolled the streets. The modern version of Neighborhood Watch was […]

FEATURED BLOGGER Arcadia Police Department Arcadia, California

“Kindness and authority are not mutually exclusive; neither are kindness and effectiveness.” The old adage calls for “random acts of kindness.” On May 1st, I wrote about the role of kindness in policing. In part, I said: “Is not kindness in our tool kit? Let’s think about this. What would it be like if police […]

FEATURED BLOGGER David Couper Former Chief at Madison Police Department Madison, WI

In my last newsletter I discussed “white privilege” and it reminded me of an interview and subsequent on-line article a local high school student wrote. The author has graduated and is off to college soon to begin her new life. Meena contacted me a few months ago about the article she was writing on the […]

FEATURED BLOGGER Rick Mathwig Chief of Police Roseville Police Department, Minnesota

Since my previous blog on mass shooting threats, I wanted to update you on what’s been happening regarding this in Kansas City. After the horrific shootings at the high school in Parkland, Fla., on Feb. 14, school threats came pouring in across the metro. As far as we can tell, there have been 21 verifiable […]

FEATURED BLOGGER Richard C. Smith Chief of Police Kansas City Police Department, Missouri

This morning, our office took a report of a possible scam to blackmail somebody into sending them money through a large chain store gift card or money transferring service. Here’s how it works… Somebody you do not know messages you via a social media account and you reply. That leads to them contacting you via […]

FEATURED BLOGGER Lee Sjolander Chief of Police Kenyon Police Department, Minnesota

Have you ever wondered if there’s something you could do to help combat human trafficking? Well, next week you’ll have an opportunity to make a difference by participating in the Stop the Traffick(ing) Run for Justice in Eden Prairie. The 5K walk/run is Saturday, June 9 at 8:30 a.m. at Purgatory Creek Park (13001 Technology […]

FEATURED BLOGGER Eden Prairie Police Department Eden Prairie, Minnesota

The lady was kind but she spoke with a sense of urgency. Her husband stood nearby, watching over her shoulder and intently listening so that they both could hear the directions to 1199 Main Street in Bangor. I knew there was no such address, so while I stood nearby, it ran through my mind that […]

FEATURED BLOGGER Bangor Police Department Authored by Sergeant Tim Cotton Bangor, Maine

Stories are powerful. They can change an organization’s culture for the better. Since we first learned to walk on two legs we have been telling stories, sharing our experiences, and the experiences of others. Whether it is around a campfire or in a briefing room — stories matter! One of my colleagues during the Madison […]

FEATURED BLOGGER David Couper Former Chief at Madison Police Department Madison, WI