28 Years on the Force: Chief Angela Averiett on What It Really Takes to Change Police Culture

In this episode, hosts discuss the journey of Chief Angela Averitt, a 28-year veteran in law enforcement, focusing on the critical need for a supportive culture within police departments. Chief Averitt shares her personal experience of vulnerability while coping with a colleague's death, advocating for emotional openness among officers. She expresses that vulnerability is often misconstrued as weakness but is, in fact, a strength that can improve team dynamics and public trust.

Chief Averitt also emphasizes the challenges modern police forces face, stemming largely from outdated leadership styles and toxic cultures. She relates her transformative journey as a police chief, highlighting the need for police leaders to embrace emotional intelligence, recognize the humanity in both officers and the public, and foster a greater sense of psychological safety. Through personal anecdotes, she illustrates how compassion and understanding can lead to better policing outcomes.

The conversation delves into the reasons behind police scandals often tied to poor leadership and highlights initiatives like The Curve Initiative, aiming to gather innovative leaders for a collective effort towards positive change in policing culture. Averitt discusses the balance between enforcing laws and empathizing with the community, urging that police officers must maintain their humanity in order to serve effectively.

Ultimately, this episode provides insights on reshaping policing from a rigid enforcement paradigm to a more compassionate, community-oriented approach, while stressing the importance of mental health support within law enforcement agencies.