The Role of Police Leaders in Effecting Culture Change and Improving Police-Public Relations

The speakers intend to describe the elements of police culture, with a focus on police leadership practices (which are generally characterized as reactionary and overly authoritarian). They will summarize the ways in which current leadership practices negatively impact the mental health of front line officers and will describe how transformational leadership can be leveraged to change police culture and improve member wellness.

The speakers will also highlight new research which demonstrates that police leaders who model “procedural justice” in their interactions with officers can reduce instances of excessive force and improve police legitimacy in the eyes of the public.

They will draw on personal experience driving culture change in both Canada and Ireland.