Resources for shifting from ‘Warrior’ to ‘Guardian’ mindset

Check out these resources and talk about this topic with your colleagues and command staff

July 01, 2015 04:33 PM •

The warrior mindset in policing has for years been abundantly discussed in books, article, interviews and training. Here are some writings of those who’ve worked in law enforcement who recommend a shift toward police self-identifying as ‘Guardians’ first and foremost.

From warriors to guardians — returning American police culture to democratic ideals by former King County Sheriff Sue Rahr and Stephen Rice.

Police must adapt from warriors to guardians by Truckee (Calif.) Police Chief Adam Gill.

It’s time to change police training: Moving police from warriors to guardians by former Madison Police Chief David Couper who also worked on the Minneapolis PD’s tactical squad.

Madison Police Chief on the power of words – warrior vs. guardian, Rotary talk by Chief Mike Koval.

‘Be guardians, not warriors': Training a new generation of police interview with John DeCarlo, 34-year police veteran.

Law enforcement’s “warrior” problem by Seth Stoughton, former police officer and founding member of his department’s Special Response Team.

Blue Courage – The Heart and the Mind of the Guardian.

Check out these resources and talk about this topic with your colleagues and command staff.

Val Van Brocklin

As a state and federal prosecutor, Val’s trial work was featured on ABC’S PRIMETIME LIVE, Discovery Channel’s Justice Files, in USA Today, The National Enquirer and REDBOOK. Described by Calibre Press as “the indisputable master of entertrainment,” Val is now an international law enforcement trainer and writer. She’s had hundreds of articles published online and in print. She appears in person and on TV, radio, and video productions. When she’s not working, Val can be found flying her airplane with her retriever, a shotgun, a fly rod, and high aspirations. Contact Val at www.valvanbrocklin.com.