7 Ways Law Enforcement Leadership Can Build Safer, More Accountable Agencies

A vehicle pursuit gone wrong, a high-profile, use-of-force case, a tragic series of deaths in custody that triggered a class action lawsuit — all of these can lead to millions in settlement costs. They can also create a sobering understanding of the stakes for law enforcement agencies, including potential damage to morale, public trust, and operational credibility. However, a police chief or sheriff who understands when a cultural transformation is necessary can help shift from any “us-versus-them” mentalities and recommit an agency to its mission to protect and serve.

“Stakeholders and leaders of law enforcement must balance support of officers’ well-being with accountability for conduct,” said Ariel Jenkins, Assistant Vice President of Risk Control at Safety National. “When agencies lead with data-driven accountability and lessons learned from observations of current and past incidents, they not only reduce risk but also inspire trust that is vital to effective law enforcement.”

Here, we examine how law enforcement leaders can rebuild safer, more resilient, and more community-aligned agencies.

1. Championing Officer Well-Being as the Cornerstone of Culture

Policing exposes officers to chronic stress, violent encounters, and repeated trauma. Ignoring the reality of how these issues impact officers’ lives can lead to burnout, cynicism, and attrition, in addition to increased risk of excessive force, as supported by research from organizations like the University of Chicago Crime Lab. Forward-thinking leaders can:

• Normalize and encourage access to mental health support.
• Confront the stigma that labels officers “weak” for seeking help.
• Position emotional wellness as a requirement for sound decision-making, not a personal flaw.

A culture that punishes vulnerability can breed misconduct and high-risk behavior, whereas one that promotes well-being can better recruit and retain officers that communities need.

2. Investing Strategically in Training, Technology, and Risk Mitigation

To move past costly litigation and rebuild credibility, today’s law enforcement leadership must prioritize evidence-based investments over legacy tools or flashy technology. This includes actively seeking grants for training, equipment modernization, and risk control programming. However, these tactics also require critical evaluation, especially regarding tools like use-of-force simulators. While useful when paired with strong instruction, research suggests some simulators may unintentionally condition officers toward lethal responses under stress. Smart investment is not about spending more, but spending wisely to reduce liability, elevate performance, and protect lives.

3. Setting Cultural Signals Through Professionalism and Purposeful Training

Law enforcement training is more than just a curriculum; it is about effective messaging. The tone, imagery, stories, and instructional style often reflect and shape the identity of an organization. An environment committed to progress can:

• Eliminate inappropriate humor, violent imagery, or content that glamorizes aggression.
• Remove training narratives that promote the idea that the community is an adversary.
• Replace “warrior culture” content with guardian-oriented, service, and agency mission-driven principles.

Even historically, high-performing agencies can send mixed signals through unnecessary polarizing symbolism. Every training moment should reinforce the idea that law enforcement is here to serve, not conquer.

4. Reassessing Legal Doctrines and Outdated Practices

Reform-minded leadership can confront internal policies that are no longer supported by research, legal precedent, or public expectations. This might include:

• Removing references to excited delirium, which has been scientifically discredited and legally contested.
• Re-evaluating all use-of-force methods so they reflect current and reasonable standards of care.
• Ensuring policy revisions emphasize safety, clarity, and constitutional policing.

Litigation trends across the country show that outdated or controversial doctrines can accelerate civil rights claims. Keeping policies and procedures updated is a legal and moral imperative.

5. Strengthening Accountability, Transparency, and Medical Oversight

A leader who wants consistently acceptable officer conduct must insist on accountability systems that work. Strict enforcement of body-worn camera policies is vital to maintain credibility during critical moments. Improved medical intake and screening for anyone in custody can prevent incidents, especially those involved in violent encounters or those showing signs of distress. Restraint chairs and similar tools should typically be reserved for a medically supported last resort.

Tactical expectations should be consistently reinforced, with officers defaulting to clear communication, maintaining a safe distance, and exercising patience. Clear rules can protect officers from being placed in preventable, career-ending situations.

6. Using Claims History as a Catalyst for Institutional Learning

Egregious conduct can result in substantial settlements. These settlements are often treated as isolated events rather than systemic warning signs. A strong leadership team can study prior incidents to identify behavioral and operational patterns. They can integrate lessons learned from these events into training, supervision, and policy revisions. Additionally, supervisors should understand how litigation risk evolves and how everyday misguided decisions can develop into catastrophic outcomes.

7. Rebuilding Trust Through Community Collaboration

Public confidence cannot be sustained solely through policy. Agencies need to demonstrate a genuine commitment to partnership. This means:

• Supporting community events that promote connection and dialogue.
• Publicly highlighting positive officer interactions and successful de-escalation.
• Reinforcing that community input is not a threat, but an asset.

Law enforcement can lead by example, building trust through consistent, acceptable conduct, transparent leadership, open dialogue with the public, and treating every civilian with dignity.