Excellence in law enforcement – What top performers do differently with Benchmark Analytics’ Steve Brewer

Steve Brewer , Partner – Benchmark Risk Solutions, brings over two decades experience in leading the creation and commercialization of analytics that help leaders improve operational excellence and people performance.

He founded and currently leads the Benchmark Analytics Risk Solutions practice, delivering analytic insights that help law enforcement command staff improve officer performance, retention and reduce injury risk. Steve also architected the formation and growth of CoreLogic’s insurance risk analytics division — the property industry’s strategic partner of choice for workflow automation and risk analysis.

We recently caught up with Steve to explore his work with Benchmark and Preferred. Check out his insightful answers.

What is Benchmark’s background supporting law enforcement agencies?

A.??? Benchmark Analytics was founded eight years ago with a clear mission: to help law enforcement agencies elevate officer performance through applied research. We partner with agencies to translate complex data into actionable strategies that improve officer performance, reduce injuries, minimize liability and enhance community trust. Our work is grounded in a deep understanding of the challenges facing modern policing, and we're dedicated to helping law enforcement partners pursue their mission of service excellence.

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What makes Benchmark unique and important?

A.??? Benchmark stands apart as a research-based organization. Our solutions are not based on conjecture, but on hard data and rigorous analysis. Benchmark’s research superpower has depth of PhD level research capabilities coupled with access to over 70 million records of officer performance through our industry consortium. Together with numerous academic partnerships, we provide law enforcement with proven, evidence-based pathways to improve people performance and mitigate risk.

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What is Benchmark’s relationship with Preferred and what role do you play in that relationship?

A.??? Benchmark Analytics is a proud partner of Preferred, providing the iMPACT evidence-based solution as a new component of Preferred’s risk management suite of supports. We serve as a trusted advisor, offering law enforcement risk analysis, evidence-based research, and ongoing support to help agencies identify and make operational adjustments that will reduce risk and improve officer retention.

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What do you like about working with Preferred?

A.???? I appreciate the people. They are creative, thoughtful and deeply vested in their members’ success. As we’ve rolled out the iMPACT program, the Preferred team has adapted our program to fit seamlessly into their focus of white glove member support, making them outstanding partners in our shared mission to support their law enforcement partners.

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What are some trends that you are seeing in law enforcement?

A.???? Law enforcement is navigating a complex landscape. The current staffing crisis and high turnover rates place immense pressure on existing officers. This underscores the urgent need for data-driven risk management strategies that not only reduce officer injuries but also contribute to a more sustainable and supportive work environment. We're also seeing a welcome shift towards prioritizing officer well-being, recognizing that their mental and physical health is crucial for both individual officers and effective policing. Underlying all of this is the increasing demand for transparency and accountability, which requires agencies to embrace data-driven decision-making and engage openly with the communities they serve.

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How do law enforcement agencies benefit from participating in the Benchmark program??

A.?? Law enforcement agencies benefit from the Benchmark program by gaining access to data-driven insights, personalized support and evidence-based practice recommendations tailored to their specific needs. Through this research, iMPACT gives Preferred’s members proven pathways to improve performance, reduce officer injuries, decrease liability costs and reduce turnover.