Editor’s note: In Police1’s 2025 “What Cops Want” survey, mental health calls ranked as the No. 1 officer safety concern, surpassing domestic violence, active shooter threats and traffic stops. Officers made clear what they need: better CIT training, more co-responder options and operational changes that keep them — and the people they serve — safer. Register now for our webinar that looks at how police leaders can ensure safer, smarter responses to mental health calls.
More than 1,260 law enforcement professionals responded to Police1’s fifth annual “What Cops Want” survey. The vast majority — 1,235 — were sworn officers working in agencies of all sizes across the country. What they shared wasn’t surprising for anyone who’s been on the street lately, but it was still deeply concerning.
More than 27% of respondents said they work in areas where assaults on officers happen often. When asked why these assaults are happening, a staggering 92% attributed it to individuals experiencing a mental health crisis, while over 58% pointed to growing public distrust of police. But when asked, “What do you think has contributed most to suspect aggression in your jurisdiction since 2020?” officers zeroed in on three factors:
- 82% said media portrayal of police
- 82% said anti-police rhetoric from politicians
- 74% said public perception of police
This isn’t just about bad headlines. It’s about how unchecked narratives become dangerous. When the story about who we are is told by people who don’t know us and have never worn the badge, officers on the street pay the price. People with no direct exposure to the job form opinions based on media personalities, anti-police politicians and even fictional portrayals. And respondents to the “What Cops Want” survey say it’s fueling a rise in aggression toward officers.
| DOWNLOAD: What cops want in 2025 survey analysis
Why narratives matter on the street
Every law enforcement officer has dealt with someone on a call who’s said, “I don’t like the police” or “I don’t trust the police.” And when we dig deeper, it’s rarely about our officers or our agency. They’ll cite nationally televised incidents or what they’ve heard from someone else. That’s what today’s cops are walking into — confrontations where the tone is already set before the uniform even arrives. This perception problem isn’t just about PR. It’s about officer safety.
When the public expects the worst, routine calls become dangerous. A simple traffic stop becomes a potential confrontation because the driver has already written the script in their head. And then there’s the policy fallout when public opinion drives political decision-making. When trust drops, it’s harder for chiefs and sheriffs to secure budgets, staffing, or training, all critical for building professional, capable police departments. False narratives fill the silence fast. If the loudest voice isn’t yours, the people who matter most won’t hear your truth. So, how do we start to reshape the messages that need to be heard by our communities and understood by our stakeholders?
Immediate actions agencies can take
Thankfully, some agencies are getting ahead of the curve — taking action to reshape the conversation and reclaim the narrative. These aren’t PR stunts; they’re operational strategies that address concerns, allow for conversations, reduce tension and build trust.
1. Use ride-alongs to build trust and transparency
In Loudon County, Tennessee, Sheriff Jimmy Davis ensures that anyone who wants access to the Sheriff’s Office gets it. Citizens’ academies are held several times a year and offer full access to every part of the agency: Investigations, Patrol, Narcotics, K9, SWAT, Corrections and more. Participants take part in use-of-force simulations, firearms training and even driving courses. Once community members finish the eight-week citizen academy, they’re eligible to ride with patrol anytime. And when it comes to the local Knoxville media, the Sheriff’s directive to his Public Information Officer (PIO) is simple and powerful: build relationships rooted in trust and cooperation.
In Kentucky, the Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) regularly invites media members to join officer ride-alongs. These aren’t staged photo ops — they’re immersive experiences that expose journalists to the realities of police work in Louisville. The result? More accurate, balanced and empathetic reporting that reshapes public narratives one shift at a time.
2. Respond to critical events with transparency and speed
In Arizona, the Phoenix Police Department’s Communications Team has been leading the way with its “Critical Incident Briefings.” Since 2019, they’ve been producing straightforward, fact-driven videos that answer community questions after major events, including officer-involved shootings. These briefings give the public access to facts and context quickly, without spin.
Donna Rossi, Head of Communications, notes that the format has evolved based on feedback from families of victims, showing a commitment not only to transparency but to listening and improving. That kind of responsiveness helps build credibility and trust before misinformation spreads.
3. Engage your politicians and community leaders
In Westford, Massachusetts, Chief Mark Chambers and his team don’t just talk about transparency — they live it. Their city board was invited to participate in use-of-force training and judgment simulators. These “shoot or don’t shoot” scenarios gave elected officials firsthand insight into the split-second decisions officers face. That participation builds understanding and, in turn, better support for the department when tough conversations arise.
For Chief Chambers, community engagement isn’t occasional outreach, it’s a daily culture. And when officers are seen as part of the community, perceptions begin to shift.
4. Empower your PIOs to inform and engage
PIOs are essential — just like your SWAT commander or your training coordinator. At Georgia State Patrol (GSP) Headquarters in Atlanta, Colonel Billy Hitchens recognizes the critical need for professional, well-trained communications experts. Led by Captain Crystal Zion, GSP’s PIO unit is trusted to speak for the agency, address misinformation and communicate with clarity when it matters most.
In Louisville, Sergeant Matt Sanders says PIOs are empowered to engage authentically across a full spectrum of platforms: Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, YouTube, TikTok and Nextdoor. Their messaging is tailored to each audience — not recycled across every channel. They meet their community where they already are, instead of making people come to them.
In Sacramento, California, Sergeant Dan Wiseman of the Sacramento Police Department emphasizes a dual focus: real-time responsiveness and long-game strategy: “While we are reactive in many ways, we also make it a priority to push out positive and humanizing stories about our officers and professional staff — from community outreach to proactive police work and commendations. It’s a small but important way we’re reshaping the narrative.”
Today, SPD proudly joined the Law Enforcement Torch Run, carrying the Flame of Hope to support Special Olympics athletes and celebrate inclusion, unity, and determination. We’re honored to stand beside our community in support of such an inspiring cause. pic.twitter.com/bYtHblk5UC
— Sacramento Police Department (@SacPolice) June 24, 2025
They also work closely with community partners to amplify messages of collaboration, safety and shared responsibility. This effort ensures their comms strategy isn’t just about crisis response, but relationship-building too.
GSP, LMPD and Sacramento PD all share the same understanding: strategic communication isn’t a luxury — it’s part of the survival guide. PIOs and agency leaders must be trained in perception management just as rigorously as they are in use of force.
| REGISTER: Webinar: What cops want in 2025 — Safer, smarter responses to mental health calls
Tip: Train officers to defuse misinformation
We’ve trained officers how to shoot, how to fight and how to survive. But we haven’t trained them enough on how to counter misinformation in real time. So here’s the tip: When someone starts a confrontation fueled by something they heard, don’t take the bait. Stay calm. Stay human. Stick to what you do know. Use plain language. Lose the tactical posture. Keep your tone neutral but open. And when appropriate, say something like:
“I understand people have concerns. I can’t speak for what they saw online, but I can tell you how we’re handling this situation right now because I want you to be informed.”
A calm tone can go a long way in resetting the room — and reinforces the professional brand of your agency that we should all be aiming for. Every single contact, every call for service, is a chance to reshape someone’s view of policing. Super cops, men and women who truly care about our profession, don’t waste that opportunity.
Final thought
Agencies can’t control the noise, but they can control the message — and that message shapes community perception. The numbers from Police1’s “What Cops Want” survey are loud and clear: officers believe that media narratives, political rhetoric and public perception are contributing to aggression on the streets. We can’t ignore that. And while trust may be rebounding, we’re always just one bad headline away from losing ground. If we don’t address perception before it meets the officer at the window, it’s already too late.
