Episode 10

Police Roles: Past, Present, and Future

Published on: 1st May, 2025

How have police roles evolved from the 1800s to the present day?

This episode explores how police roles have evolved from peace officers to law enforcement agents. Hosts Mike, Carol, and Kristin also discuss the challenges of police overload, the importance of community partnerships, and ways to create safer, more connected neighborhoods. 


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


* The unhealthy over-dependence on police for non-criminal social and health issues.

* How neighborhood self-sufficiency can drastically reduce calls for police service.

* Shifting from punitive enforcement to community-centered safety approaches.

* Addressing recidivism and the limitations of the current criminal justice system.

* Challenges of police cultural norms.

* Practical steps neighborhoods can take to improve safety without heavy police reliance.

* How transparency and open communication can rebuild community trust in police.


Chapters: 


(02:46) Historical Context: How Police Roles Have Evolved

(09:01) Present-Day Challenges 

(18:54) Legislative Impact on Police Responsibilities

(26:57) Neighborhood Self-Sufficiency

(35:21) Building Social Capital 

(42:35) Shifting Police Culture


A resource mentioned in this episode: Safety in Our Hands, a book by Mike Butler and 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