Humane policing outlines groundbreaking approach to widespread police reform by Darron Spencer

The days since George Floyd’s death have simultaneously united and divided communities all over the world. “I can’t breathe” has become a battle cry, and ‘8:46’ an unsettling reminder of how long Floyd struggled for air. Is there any way to rebuild a system that has collapsed under the weight of its own power? 

Law enforcement around the world is now aware of a systemic wound that has been festering for generations. This wound will only be healed through drastic systemic change for the betterment of the community as a whole. A band-aid treatment of minimal change will only spawn distrust and destroy what hope and peace that remain.

“Though force can protect in emergency, only justice, fairness, consideration and cooperation can finally lead men to the dawn of eternal peace.” – Dwight D. Eisenhower  

Former marine and one-time sheriff’s deputy, Darron Spencer, offers hope for police departments and the communities they serve. His revolutionary approach to law enforcement, called ‘humane policing’, aims to help officers diffuse dangerous situations, induce cooperation, preserve lives and ultimately enjoy long and fulfilling careers, protecting and serving the public.

Spencer’s book, Humane Policing: How Perspectives Can Influence Our Performance, shares his insightful, experience-based techniques for those in law enforcement, while also enlightening the public about the complexities of the job and the balancing act that men and women in uniform undertake every day.

The book demonstrates – through real-life-inspired examples -how self-control and understanding can mitigate potentially dangerous situations and save lives.

Humane Policing explores the changes that law enforcement needs to make; chronicles the experiences that shaped Spencer’s personal perspective, and offers life-changing tools to help officers everywhere to better serve their communities.

Author Darron Spencer worked in a patrol division for just 20 months before a debilitating condition ended his career. As a deputy, he oversaw more than 250 cases that resulted in 40 felony and 74 misdemeanour arrests. He assisted in four death investigations, and booked in more than 150 pieces of evidence. He was awarded Deputy of the Year and received the Ribbon of Merit.

He achieved tremendous success gaining cooperation from individuals, suspects and even career criminals, while investigating cases. In fact, 90% of those he arrested actually thanked him for his service. When Spencer’s police work was cut short, he sought a new avenue to public service.

Law enforcement needs to go beyond the call of duty; it needs to transform that duty’s very purpose – one that can be traced back to many of their own oaths they took as a Peace Officer:  “On my honour, I will never betray my badge, my integrity, my character or the public trust.  I will always have the courage to hold myself and others accountable for our actions. I will always uphold the Constitution, my community and the agency I serve.”  

Law enforcement today has forgotten its oath and, in doing so, tarnished its character to the point that it is no longer recognisable.  The courage to do what is right has vanished, evaporating with the public trust which it swore to protect. 

The mission of Humane Policing is to improve the relationship between law enforcement and the communities it serves.  This mission will be achieved through drastic police reform and education.   

“Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable… Every step toward the goal of justicerequires sacrifice, suffering and struggle… the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals.” – Martin Luther King Jr

There is hope in knowing that the struggles of today will provide a better tomorrow for future generations. This hope will be achieved by introducing complete reform to include laws and budgets and, most importantly, a change in approach that focuses law enforcement’s first priority: on public service for everyone. This will entail gaining cooperation, instead of forcing compliance. It will involve complete transparency to restore trust, and will include holding law enforcement accountable for undesirable actions.   

We need to keep the faith. In fact, it is always darkest before the dawn of a new day.  A new day is coming, however, and with it will arrive a clarity of hope of brighter days ahead. Education is the key investment for future generations, to enable them possess the tools needed to shape a better world.

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” – Nelson Mandela  

Darron Spencer is the award-winning author/founder of Humane Policing: How Perspectives Can Influence Our Performance and founder of Humane Policing – Transforming Police Culture. For more information, please visit www.humanepolicing.com.