Episode 24

Replacing Band-Aids With Real Police Reform

Published on: 7th August, 2025

How can we move beyond short-term police reforms and toward lasting cultural change?

This episode explores the evolving state of policing in America and the cultural shifts necessary for true reform. Mike, Carol, and Kristin reflect on the last decade of public safety, the recurring cycles of tragedy and retreat, and the need for interdependent relationships between police and communities. 


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


(8:30) The Trap of Band-Aid Fixes

* Many police reforms are reactionary, failing to address deeper systemic issues.

* How punitive legislation overlooks community responsibility.


(20:20) Shifting the Power Dynamic

* Why fear-based policies harm both police and community trust.

* How community empowerment is key to healthy public safety.


(28:05) Ending the Tug-of-War

* How alignment and trust build stronger neighborhoods.

* Police departments can be leverage points for broader cultural evolution.


(36:00) The Hope for Sustainable Change

* A vision of citizens as collaborators in safety.


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/ 


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

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: https://www.storyon.co/

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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