As police departments seek to reduce crime, restore trust in law enforcement and improve the strained relationship between officers and civilians, many have begun shifting to more community-oriented operations.

A study produced by the Police Foundation considers how foot patrols may help agencies engage with the communities they serve in a positive, productive way. The paper studies five police departments (in Cambridge, Mass., New Haven, Conn., Kalamazoo, Mich., Evanston, Ill., and Portland, Ore.) that have adopted foot patrol and offers detailed descriptions of how this strategy has been implemented. Although foot patrol is manpower intensive, the study finds that this approach allows police departments to build relationships in the community that enhance the department’s problem-solving abilities. Both police officers and community members benefit psychologically from these improved relationships as well.  

The Police Foundation’s Director of Strategic Studies Frank Straub, Ph.D., will discuss the study's findings and one of its featured police departments, the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety. Kalamazoo’s Chief Jeff Hadley, who also works with the Police Foundation, will join him.

Dr. Straub is a 30-year law enforcement veteran, last serving as the Chief of the Spokane, Washington, Police Department. While in that role, he received national recognition for achieving significant crime reduction by implementing major reforms, including community policing programs. Currently, he works on Critical Incident Reviews, including the San Bernardino terrorist attack and the Orlando Pulse shooting.  

Chief Jeff Hadley currently leads 225 sworn police and fire officers as chief of the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety and has worked with the Police Foundation since 2008. In Kalamazoo, he refocused the department to strengthen trust and relationships between the community and officers. He initiated a racial profiling study that resulted in improved culture, policy and training throughout the city.

Lunch is free and is included with reservations. Please register online here. 

If you have any questions or need more information, please contact us at 989-698-1905 or events@mackinac.org.