Changing police culture starts at the top, ex-cops say

Second of two parts.

Most police officers know what’s right and what isn’t, said Bill Richardson, a 16-year veteran who spent the bulk of his career with the Mesa Police Department in its homicide and sex crimes divisions.

Officers must be supported if they act on those instincts. He understands that the pressures of loyalty are immense. Some in law enforcement describe something called “the blue wall,” a barrier that can lead to mistrust and misconduct.

Policing is a complex and dangerous job, said Ben Click, a former Phoenix Police assistant chief who also worked in Dallas. Officers may respond emotionally, lose their tempers, like anyone else.

“Before anything bad happens, step in,” Click said.

It’s a tough situation. For officers, the person you stand up to may be in a position to save your life — or you theirs — at some point.

Bringing down “the blue wall” means changing the culture in police departments. Chiefs need to emphasize that officers have a duty to intervene when they see excessive force and support those officers, Click said. Powerful unions can provide legal defense and assure officers they receive due process. But the behavior can’t be condoned.

Ninety-eight percent of officers do the right thing, Click said. Chiefs must get rid of the ones who don’t.

Only then can law enforcement examine the real issues, Click said. Poverty. Lack of education and opportunity. Feelings of exclusion. In some neighborhoods, the police are the closest thing to a social program with a daily presence.

Richardson said changing the culture can be addressed at the academy and in ongoing training, but it must start at the top with chiefs.

“Cops, they’ve got a gun and a badge, but there are just some things they are complete cowards about,” Richardson said.

To fix this, they must be brave.