Episode 4

Police and Community: Are They Problems to Be Solved or Possibilities?

Published on: 20th March, 2025

How can police departments and communities shift from problem-solving to creating possibilities? Also, what does a shared model of public safety look like, and how can it be achieved?

This episode dives into the transformative potential of reimagining public safety through collaboration between police and communities. Hosts Mike, Carol, and Kristin explore the importance of shared responsibility, trust-building, and community engagement in creating safer, more connected neighborhoods. With insights from decades of leadership and innovative projects, they discuss actionable ways to redefine policing as a partnership rather than a hierarchy.

Topics that Chief Mike Butler, Dr. Carol Engel-Enright, and Kristin Daley explore in this episode:


* The distinction between solving problems and creating possibilities in public safety.


* Historical and cultural challenges in police-community relationships.


* The importance of police idealism and strategies to sustain it.


* The role of community voices in shaping policing policies and practices.


* Insights from Longmont’s strategic plan, involving 1,000 participants.


* Empowering communities to take shared responsibility for safety.


* Practical frameworks like the New Blue program for co-producing solutions.


* The role of conversations, dissent, and invitations in fostering collaboration.


* Building a culture of belonging and ownership within communities and police departments.


Chapters:


(02:19) Exploring the Vision of Project PACT

(07:46) Historical Challenges in Policing

(11:54) Shifting Power Dynamics in Police-Community Relationships

(18:32) Frameworks for Co-Producing Solutions

(22:27) Longmont’s Strategic Planning Journey

(32:02) Conversations on Possibility and Partnership

(42:28) Building Trust and Belonging


Resources mentioned in this episode:


* Community: The Structure of Belonging, a book by Peter Block.


This episode of Beyond the Bandaids is brought to you by Project PACT (Police And Community Together). Learn more about Project PACT by visiting https://projectpact.org/


LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/project-pact-police-and-community-together/about/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/project_pact_org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/project.pact/

Newsletter: https://projectpact.org/our-courses/

Contact Us: https://projectpact.org/contact-us/


Connect with the co-hosts of Beyond the Bandaids:


Chief Mike Butler on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-butler-6b0b2587/


Dr. Carol Engel-Enright on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carol-engel-enright-97701a10/


Kristin Daley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-daley-23bb7b26b/


The following three organizations—each committed to enhancing community well-being and policing integrity—joined forces to create Project PACT.


Law Enforcement Action Partnership (LEAP): https://lawenforcementactionpartnership.org/

New Blue: https://newblue.org/

The School of Statesmanship, Stewardship & Service (SOSSAS): https://sossas.org/


Beyond the Bandaids is dedicated to exploring how police officers, public safety professionals, community leaders, and community members can reconnect with their sense of purpose and inspire positive change in their local community.


Subscribe via Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3Fd6ngx

Subscribe via Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4h8puWm

Subscribe via YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ProjectPACT-org


This episode was produced by Story On Media & Marketing: https://www.successwithstories.com

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About the Podcast

Beyond the Bandaids with Project PACT
Welcome to Beyond the Bandaids with Project PACT, a podcast dedicated to exploring how police officers, public safety professionals, community leaders, and community members can reconnect with their sense of purpose and inspire positive change in their local community.

Through meaningful conversations and insights from experts, this podcast emphasizes that both citizens and police are part of the community, aiming to foster unity and build trust through partnership.

Beyond the Bandaids helps you rediscover this purpose and make a real difference by looking within and fostering deeper community connections. Instead of focusing on symptoms or past problems, we concentrate on creating a future where lasting, positive changes are not just possible, but probable.

For community members, Beyond the Bandaids offers a hopeful perspective on collaboration and compassion. Together, we can create vibrant, thriving neighborhoods where everyone plays a role in public safety and well-being. Join us as we explore transformative conversations and pave the way for a safer, more harmonious future for all.

Beyond the Bandaids is brought to you in partnership with the Law Enforcement Action Partnership, New Blue, and The School of Statesmanship, Stewardship, and Service (SOSSAS).

About your host

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Seth Silvers