Policing the Future

A procedural and visionary book written ten years ago could show the way forward

By Maureen Seaberg

Jack L. Colwell and Charles “Chip” Huth tried to tell us a decade ago. Policing is about building relationships in a community and having respect for all citizens, regardless of whether they’ve “earned it.” We were not listening closely enough.

Their book, Unleashing the Power of Unconditional Respect: Transforming Law Enforcement and Police Training was what the two veteran law enforcement officers hoped would be a solution to strained relations between the police and the wider community. Today, they see the fabric fraying even further from the vantage point of The Arbinger Institute — a 45-year-old organization headquartered in Farmington UT. Arbinger is dedicated to advancing humanity and establishing community building through teaching an "outward mindset." Their hope has changed to a sense of urgency.

The book was very prescient. Both men have served the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department with distinction. Colwell is now retired and Huth is a major in its traffic division. Missouri is hardly a flyover state when it comes to law enforcement (or anything else). It is, rather, a foxhole with much to teach. Departments everywhere should pay attention.