A Journey of Purpose and Impact in Policing

Natalie Hiltz:, Deputy Chief - Greater Sudbury Police Service

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

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

At the time of the interview, Natalie was serving with the Peel Regional Police.? In 2023, Natalie Hiltz was appointed as a Deputy Chief of Police with the Greater Sudbury Police Service.

Introduction:

In a thought-provoking conversation on the CopDoc Podcast, Natalie Hiltz, then-acting Inspector for the Peel Regional Police Department in Ontario, Canada, shared insights on the importance of leadership, reflection, and progressive policing. Natalie is now a Deputy Police Chief with the Greater Sudbury Police Service in Canada.?

With over 28 years of experience in law enforcement, Natalie emphasizes the need for transformative leadership, fostering a growth mindset, and engaging in critical conversations to prevent the replication of negative incidents. Her perspectives shed light on the power of effective leadership in shaping the culture and direction of police organizations.

Natalie's journey in policing has been driven by a deep sense of purpose and a commitment to making a positive impact in her community. From her early aspirations influenced by her father's career as a police officer to her current role as an advocate for evidence-based policing, Natalie's story is one of determination, growth, and critical thinking.

A Passion Ignited:

Natalie's passion for law enforcement was ignited at a young age, with her father serving as a role model and inspiration. She knew from an early age she wanted to follow in her father's footsteps and become a police officer. This unwavering determination led her to pursue a degree in crime and join the army, where she honed her skills and prepared herself for a career in policing.

Diverse Experiences:

Over the course of her 28-year career in policing, Natalie has had the opportunity to engage in various roles and assignments. She started in uniform patrol, experiencing a different era of policing before the advent of technology and the integration of community-oriented approaches. Natalie also spent significant time in undercover operations, tackling issues related to drugs and homicide. Her commitment to community safety led her to serve in specialized units such as the gang unit, contributing to the development of this crucial area within police services nationwide.

Embracing Challenges:

Natalie's career took an unexpected turn when she was transferred to the Youth Bureau of Community Support Services. Initially, she viewed this as a setback and questioned its relevance to her career trajectory. However, this experience turned out to be transformative, as Natalie recognized the importance of connecting with the community at a deeper level. Her critical mindset compelled her to question the objectives and impact of this area of policing, leading her to redefine its purpose and develop mission-driven initiatives.

A Focus on Evidence-Based Policing:

During her time in the Youth Bureau, Natalie embarked on a journey of introspection and research. She discovered that many of the programs and practices were lacking a solid foundation in evidence-based approaches. Determined to make a difference, she engaged in extensive research beyond the confines of policing, seeking answers to the fundamental question of "why." This critical thinking approach enabled her to develop a mandate, establish a mission statement, and implement evidence-based programs aimed at promoting violence prevention and victim services.

A Journey of Purpose and Impact:

Natalie's commitment to her community and her willingness to challenge the status quo exemplify her exceptional mindset. She has embraced her role as a change agent within her sphere of influence, constantly striving to make a positive impact in the lives of those she serves. From her early aspirations to her current position as an acting Inspector, Natalie's journey is a testament to the power of purpose-driven policing.

The Role of Leadership:

Natalie acknowledges that leadership plays a vital role in driving change within police departments. Having experienced different styles of leadership throughout her career, she recognizes the impact leaders can have on an organization's progress. With a sense of gratitude, Natalie expresses her appreciation for the progressive leadership at the Peel Regional Police, which she considers to be transformative and forward-thinking. Their commitment to community policing and innovation has instilled a sense of pride and purpose among the officers, propelling the department to new heights.

The Power of Reflection:

Reflecting on the importance of reflection, Natalie highlights its value in assessing progress and identifying areas for improvement. She stresses the need for police organizations to periodically pause and evaluate their accomplishments, challenges, and future goals. By engaging in thoughtful introspection and open dialogue, agencies can better understand their current state and work collectively to address any shortcomings. This process of reflection fosters a culture of growth and learning, encouraging police professionals to constantly strive for improvement.

Learning from Incidents:

Natalie emphasizes the significance of learning from incidents that occur in other jurisdictions. She advocates for after-action reviews and situation-based discussions to dissect past events and extract valuable lessons. By engaging in these conversations at roll call rooms and throughout the organization, officers gain insights into potential challenges and develop strategies to prevent the recurrence of similar incidents. This proactive approach ensures that departments are better equipped to handle difficult situations, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement.

Progressive Policing in Action:

When discussing progressive policing, Natalie highlights the tangible actions and initiatives undertaken by the Peel Regional Police. Under the leadership's guidance, the department has embraced community policing as a central tenet of their approach. They have adopted innovative strategies, leveraged evidence-based practices, and actively worked towards transforming their organization. By engaging in meaningful dialogue with the community, they are building trust and creating a collaborative environment where the police and the public work together to build safer communities.

Conclusion:

Natalie Hiltz's perspective on leadership, reflection, and progressive policing offers valuable insights for law enforcement professionals and organizations. She emphasizes the critical role of leadership in driving change and fostering a growth mindset within police departments. By embracing reflection and learning from incidents, agencies can continuously improve their practices and prevent the replication of negative events. Natalie's experiences within the Peel Regional Police serve as an inspiring example of the transformative power of effective leadership and progressive policing, setting the stage for a safer and more connected community.

Natalie Hiltz's journey in policing exemplifies the transformative power of purpose and critical thinking. Her unwavering dedication to her community, combined with her commitment to evidence-based practices, has propelled her career forward and allowed her to effect meaningful change. Natalie serves as an inspiration to aspiring law enforcement professionals, showcasing the importance of questioning, learning, and continuously striving for improvement in the pursuit of a safer and more just society

Disclaimer: The information in this article is based on the conversation between Dr. Jay Albanese and Steve Morreale in The CopDoc Podcast. The views and opinions expressed are those of the participants.

#NatalieHiltz #GreaterSudburyPoliceService #PeelRegionalPolice #DalhousieUniversity #UniversityofCambridge #TheCopDocPodcast #SteveMorreale #WorcesterStateUniversity

? (2024) The CopDoc Podcast — Dr. Stephen A. Morreale

Reference

Transcript from interview between Steve Morreale and Natalie Hiltz, episode #73, June 7, 2022, www.copdoc.podcast.com

Link to Episode:

Natalie Hiltz on The CopDop Podcast

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