“Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t, you’re right.” — commonly attributed to Henry Ford Whether Henry Ford actually uttered those exact words is uncertain. Historians debate the attribution, but the sentiment has endured because it captures a truth about human behaviour that is highly relevant to active bystandership. Long before someone … Continue reading The Most Important Intervention Happens Before You Say a Word – Why active bystandership begins with what people believe about themselves and how cultures support believe.
What If We’ve Been Trying to Change Police Culture the Wrong Way? What Violence Prevention Can Teach Policing
I spent the last 8 years of my policing service working with the Scottish Violence Reduction Unit. My time there radically changed how I looked at violence prevention. Since retiring it's clear my time there has shaped how I now look at developing healthy and safe workplace cultures. In this piece I reference this week's … Continue reading What If We’ve Been Trying to Change Police Culture the Wrong Way? What Violence Prevention Can Teach Policing
The Missing 30 Seconds: Why Context, Character and Courage Matter More Than Ever
Viral videos of police action spread quickly. Without thinking people react. They make judgments, they decide. Police officers are all too aware of the realities of their actions being filmed but are officers aware of how their early actions could make a difference to their safety, and to trust in the profession of policing. A … Continue reading The Missing 30 Seconds: Why Context, Character and Courage Matter More Than Ever
Character Matters. But Characters Matter More.
“Culture is rarely changed by policies. It is changed by people.” When policing finds itself under scrutiny, one phrase often dominates the conversation: “We need officers of good character.” Recruitment becomes the focus. It’s hard to disagree with the need for officers of good character. I don’t agree that recruitment is the problem. I really … Continue reading Character Matters. But Characters Matter More.
Beyond Awareness: Why Training Alone Will Not Break a Culture of Silence in Policing
In recent years, policing organisations across the UK have invested significant time and resources into awareness training on bullying, sexual harassment, discrimination, racism, and professional standards. Such training is important. It helps establish expectations, clarifies unacceptable behaviour, and demonstrates organisational commitment to ethical policing. Yet despite this investment, inquiries, misconduct investigations, whistleblowing reports, and media … Continue reading Beyond Awareness: Why Training Alone Will Not Break a Culture of Silence in Policing
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