Jeff Tate - Policing Approaches

Building Trust and Meaningful Connections: A Conversation with Police Chief Jeff Tate ?

Stephen A. Morreale, Worcester State University, Host: The CopDoc Podcast

Note: This article is created from an interview between Steve Morreale Jeff Tate on The CopDoc Podcast.? It has been distilled and synthesized for reading by the author with the assistance of AI, using ChatGPT, an AI text generator.

Introduction:

In a time when the impact of laws and policies on society is being questioned, it is crucial to examine their effectiveness. Jeff Tate, a police chief, shares his insights on the need for service-driven individuals and the importance of building trust within the community. In an interview, Chief Tate discusses various aspects of modern policing, including the changing role of police officers, the significance of community engagement, and the challenges they face.

In this episode of The CopDoc Podcast, Dr. Steve Morreale engages in a conversation with Jeff Tate, the chief of the Shakopee, Minnesota Police Department. Chief Tate shares his insights and experiences on police leadership and community policing. They discuss the importance of fostering strong relationships with the community, particularly in the wake of challenging incidents like the death of George Floyd. Chief Tate emphasizes the significance of customer service-oriented policing and the role it plays in building trust and maintaining a positive relationship with the community.

Establishing a Connection:

Chief Tate introduces Shakopee, a vibrant and growing city located just south of Minneapolis. He highlights the city's diverse population and the various entertainment attractions that keep the police department busy around the clock. Chief Tate expresses his pride in receiving the IACP Community Policing Award and underscores the valuable relationship between the police and the community.

Customer Service-Driven Policing:

Chief Tate explains that his department follows a customer service-driven approach, where everyone within the organization, including non-sworn staff, shares the responsibility of providing excellent service to the community. He emphasizes the importance of treating citizens, even those involved in arrests or conflicts, with respect and dignity. Chief Tate believes that adopting a customer-centric mindset is crucial for long-term success in law enforcement.

Nurturing Community Relationships:

Chief Tate recounts the impact of George Floyd's death on his department and the surrounding community. He describes how his officers were appalled by the incident and expresses their collective disapproval of such behavior. During this challenging time, Chief Tate emphasized the need for open communication with the community. Despite pandemic restrictions, the department continued community events and remained accessible to address concerns and questions. Chief Tate underscores the value of transparency, listening, and understanding in nurturing strong relationships with the community.

Building Trust Amidst Adversity:

In the face of public scrutiny and generalizations about law enforcement, Chief Tate reinforces the importance of recognizing that every agency has unique training, selection criteria, and expectations. He credits the unwavering support of Shakopee's community for helping the department weather difficult times. Chief Tate also emphasizes the need for law enforcement to take responsibility for their actions and be accountable to the public, even when incidents occur elsewhere.

Listening and Learning:

Chief Tate believes that listening is a vital skill for law enforcement professionals. He encourages officers to actively engage with community members and seek their input and feedback. By fostering open lines of communication, the department can better address concerns and provide reassurance to the community. Chief Tate underscores those relationships, like any other, require ongoing effort and attention to thrive.

Finding Service-Driven Individuals:

Chief Tate emphasizes the need for service-driven individuals within law enforcement. He believes that attracting and convincing idealistic individuals who are motivated to make a difference is essential. The younger generation seeks meaningful work, where they can leave a lasting impact. Police departments must tap into these individuals to address the ongoing struggle of recruiting the right personnel.

Shifting Hiring Priorities:

The chief highlights the changing requirements for police officers. Traditionally, physical attributes like height and strength were prioritized. However, empathetic, and character-driven qualities have now taken precedence. Chief Tate emphasizes the significance of hiring individuals who align with the service-oriented culture and gaining leadership buy-in to foster a positive work environment.

Building Community Trust:

Chief Tate narrates an experience where the police organized a community event to foster relationships, particularly with communities of color. The significant turnout of over 700 people, even during a pandemic, demonstrated the trust the community had in the police department. He emphasizes the importance of active community participation and engagement, which provides a sense of security and leads to positive outcomes for both the police and the community.

The Changing Role of Policing:

Chief Tate discusses the evolving nature of law enforcement, highlighting that only a small portion of an officer's time is spent making arrests or using force. He points out that mental health-related calls and other non-criminal incidents occupy a considerable amount of an officer's time. This shift requires a broader approach, involving collaboration with other social services, rather than relying solely on the police to address societal issues.

Overcoming Silence and Misrepresentation:

Chief Tate acknowledges the problem of silence among some police chiefs, who fail to communicate effectively and address public concerns. He advocates for setting the record straight and engaging in active conversations with the community. While acknowledging historical shortcomings in law enforcement, Chief Tate believes that admitting faults, answering tough questions, and highlighting relevant facts are necessary steps toward progress.

Working Towards Solutions:

The chief recognizes the need to rethink the responsibilities placed on law enforcement. He stresses that police should not be the first point of contact for issues such as mental health crises, addiction, or homelessness. Collaboration with other social services and reallocating resources are necessary to alleviate the burden on police departments. Chief Tate expresses the importance of problem-solving and community collaboration to move forward effectively.

Conclusion:

Chief Jeff Tate's leadership exemplifies the importance of community-oriented policing and the value of maintaining strong relationships with the public. By prioritizing customer service, active listening, and transparency, the Shakopee Police Department has built trust and successfully navigated challenging times. Chief Tate's insights serve as a reminder that law enforcement's success lies in fostering connections and working hand in hand with the communities they serve.

Chief Jeff Tate advocates for active engagement, open conversations, and a reevaluation of police responsibilities. By emphasizing collaboration, reallocating resources, and addressing societal issues, Chief Tate aims to foster a more effective and trusted relationship between law enforcement and the communities they serve.

#JeffTate #ShokopeeMNPolice #TheCopDocPodcast #SteveMorreale #WorcesterStateUniversity

References:

Transcript from interview on the CopDoc Podcast, episode #29, July 5, 2021. www.copdoc.podcast.com