
S4 Episode 3: Reimagining Policing with David Couper – Bound by the Cloak
Against the backdrop of ongoing debates surrounding police accountability, racial justice, and community trust, it’s more important than ever to address the uncomfortable truths surrounding police brutality, shining a spotlight on the systemic issues that continue to perpetuate violence and injustice within our communities.
We sat down with David Couper, a seasoned veteran of law enforcement who shared his personal experiences, professional insights, and his profound commitment to fostering positive change.
David served over 20 years as the chief of police in Madison, Wisconsin, four years as chief of police in Burnsville, Minnesota. Prior to that, he was a police officer in Edina and Minneapolis, Minnesota. He has graduate degrees from the University of Minnesota and Edgewood College in Madison. After retiring from the police department, became ordained as a priest in the Episcopal Church.

Show Notes:
Articles:
Madison policing took years to reform, still needs work, ex-chief says (2023)
From Police Chief to Priest: The Soul of a Fascinating Guy (2022)
Madison’s high priest of policing (2022)
Memoir of Madison police chief turned priest, other new books share wisdom of Wisconsin elders (2022)
Why So Many Police Are Handling the Protests Wrong (2020)
Aggressive policing escalates violence at protests, research shows. A former Madison police chief touts a better way. (2020)

Great.