Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the Future of Policing Institute fellows are theirs and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent.
Who Are the Police? Why the Word Matters More Than Ever
When everyone wears “POLICE” on their vest, who do the people truly see? In this powerful reflection, retired Chief, U.S. Marshal, and FPI Fellow Noel March challenges America to rethink what — and who — the word police really means. He argues that blurring the line between local officers and federal agents risks eroding the fragile trust at the heart of community policing. A must-read for anyone who believes words — and trust — still matter in American policing.
Trust Tuning in the Heat of Crisis
Collaboration moves at the speed of trust, and as today’s challenges grow more complex, success depends on our ability to work seamlessly within organizations and across them. That’s why the familiar phrase “trust but verify” deserves a closer look — it’s inherently contradictory. If trust is present, constant verification isn’t needed; if verification dominates, then trust was never truly there. For leaders, the path forward isn’t blind faith or endless suspicion, but the deliberate work of building, calibrating, and tuning trust to fit the moment.
Redefining the Role of Police Chief: Crisis Leadership in an Era of Federal Pressure and Public Scrutiny
This article by FPI Fellow Jessica Bress explores how the evolving demands of leadership are reshaping the expectations placed on chiefs, and why these emerging competencies are no longer optional – they’re essential for sustaining trust and legitimacy in 21st-century policing. To read the article click here.
Trust, Confidence and the New Jersey Drones
The ongoing drone sightings over New Jersey and other parts of the eastern seaboard have caused significant community concern, increased anxiety, societal uncertainty, and increasing mistrust in the federal government. These issues highlight the importance of transparency and proactive communication in maintaining public confidence in both government and policing.