I first published “Arrested Development” in 2012. Then made the final addition to the text in 2017 after the death of George Floyd in my old hometown of Minneapolis.
Suffice it to say that I have not had many requests from police leaders around the country to share what I learned in Madison (Wisc.) and have observed (and blogged about) in the decades following my retirement from active policing. Yes, I know that talking about transformative change and hoping for it is a lot easier than doing it. Believe me, I know. But my point is that it is possible and do-able.
Nevertheless, one newly-minted police who is in the process of forming a new and diverse police department (as I did in my first job as a police chief) has asked me to come to his department next month and talk about “Arrested Development.” He has ordered copies of the book for his officers, and I must admit I am excited about meeting the men and women of his department. It is a small city (that’s one of my later points on this blog about the future of policing — that improvement will most likely come about in small, relatively wealthy cities whose active citizenry demands constitutional and respectful police).
Stay tuned.
In the meantime, I will (again) hype my book, Arrested Development: A Veteran Police Chief Sounds Off About Protest, Racism, Corruption and the Seven Steps Necessary to Improve Our Nation’s Police(2012 and 2017) and encourage you to read a few of the reviews below the book has received. One more thing: the number of views on “Improving Police” has now risen to over 700,000 and the blogsite now has over 1,500 posts.
Here’s to good and improved policing in America!
Amazon Reviews
“I have read David Couper’s book two times and have purchased copies for police commanders in multiple departments. As a police researcher, I have read a lot of books on the subject. This is, by far, one of the best books that I have read. Every person working in the policing field, whether a scholar or practitioner, needs to read this book. You may not agree with every point Couper makes, but you will walk away with a better understanding of organizational transformation and what it takes to change an organization’s culture – both personally and professionally. I attended a Chief’s Track Panel at the International Association of Chiefs of Police Conference on October 19, 2013, and Couper’s police work, legacy, and book, “Arrested Development,” were being discussed by a panel of city police chiefs. That, in itself, provides an indication of the significance and relevance of Couper’s work in contemporary policing. Couper presents an impressive, direct, and unveiled look into his experiences in the Madison Police Department. He provides his readers with an inside look at his 20+ years as Chief of Police in the Madison Police Department and his “lessons learned.” I am grateful that Couper took the time to write his book. I have learned a lot from him.”
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“This is a great read on many levels and for readers with varied interests. It is informative, insightful, balanced and at times, provocative. For law enforcement executives there is a compelling call to action. For aspiring leaders of all kinds there are lessons in leadership, the influences and power of organizational culture and implementing sustainable change. For community leaders it offers ideas on a better direction for the future of police/community relations. For students of the 1960’s and 1970’s unrest, there are glimpses and perspectives from a fully involved insider. Lastly, it is the fascinating story of one man’s journey and his evolution as a person and as a leader.”
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“David Couper brings his years of experience and study to look at ways our police work and the political environment they operate within. He opens a door to a profession that is not well understood and gives suggestions on how to improve the current state of affairs. Whether you’re a professional officer, politician, or engaged citizen, this book is well worth the read.”
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“I had the pleasure of meeting David Couper briefly over a year ago, and I was impressed with his quiet toughness. His book, which he kindly gave me, was a revelation: who knew, for example, that in Europe, the status of the police chief is considerably higher than in the USA? Their status is akin to scholars, inventors, scientists. And Couper writes a very vivid account of an old-school police force in Madison, Wisconsin, that was warring with students and blackmailing (in one case) an alderman. His account of how he changed the force is excellent. My only quibble? As the son of an editor (my mother), I can’t help think that she would have taken a very good book and made it great: there is some repetition here. But all in all, Couper makes points that need to be made, and especially now, when we are seeing an increase in the militarization of our police forces. Bravo!”
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“Having spent 25 years at the Madison Police Department with David Couper as a mentor, the contents of ‘Arrested Development’ comes as no surprise to me. These are core issues David has been “preaching” for three decades. He is extremely passionate about improving the police profession just as he was in pursuing excellence at the Madison Police Department. Couper has an unrivaled track record of identifying major issues in policing, such as policing crowds and leadership, that gives him credibility with colleagues. Twenty five years later, in 2012, our profession is now just coming to the realization he was absolutely correct about the manner in which we handled crowds (The Madison Method); the way we develop collaborative leadership (Couper’s Principles of Leadership); and treating those we serve (customers) with respect, civility and dignity, including those we arrest. Many Police Chiefs haven’t survived or have struggled because of these three issues and the others addressed in his book. By sharing his experience, David hopes his message resonates throughout the police profession and creates sustainable change. As he knows by his own accounts, sometimes those changes happen one department at a time. I highly recommend the book to my colleagues. I believe my successes today as a Police Chief for eight years is attributed to the lessons observed, learned, and shared by my former boss and mentor. Most of us love this profession and the important work we perform in protecting, serving, and leading our communities to a safer tomorrow. Understanding the experiences of those who have preceded us, along with the solutions they offer can only make us personally and professionally better.”
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We all press on for the goal that is ahead…
Improving Police: A Necessary Conversation 