How can your community or city leverage social capital to fill the gaps left by lost federal grants?

This episode explores how communities can thrive and create meaningful change even as federal funding for social and health programs is being cut. The hosts emphasize a shift from dependency on outside sources to leveraging the social capital within our communities. They share examples of successful initiatives where local resources, volunteers, and partnerships were galvanized to address issues like domestic violence and addiction, thus healing their own wounds.

Topics that Chief Mike Butler, Dr. Carol Engel-Enright, and Kristin Daley explore in this episode:

(0:22) Rethinking Federal Dependency

* The growing concern about disappearing federal funding for community-police initiatives.

* Why some police departments chose not to rely on ongoing federal support.

(10:28) Community Solutions in Action

* Initiatives to reduce domestic violence without using federal money.

* The power of galvanizing neighborhoods, churches, and businesses.

(25:40) Addiction and the Angel Initiative

* Addressing substance abuse and offering care as part of a community-wide commitment.

* Helping people recover and reenter society.

(33:58) Self-Reliant Neighborhoods

* How to identify “connectors” in neighborhoods and empower them to lead.

* Neighborhoods thrive when they coalesce around trust, safety, and mutual care.

(42:42) Neuroscience and Healing

* Curiosity, not suspicion, is key to changing brains and communities.

This episode of Beyond the Bandaids is brought to you by Project PACT (Police And Community Together). Learn more about Project PACT by visiting https://projectpact.org/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/project_pact_org/

Newsletter: https://projectpact.org/our-courses/

Contact Us: https://projectpact.org/contact-us/

Connect with the co-hosts of Beyond the Bandaids:

Chief Mike Butler on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-butler-6b0b2587/

Dr. Carol Engel-Enright on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carol-engel-enright-97701a10/

Kristin Daley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-daley-23bb7b26b/

The following three organizations—each committed to enhancing community well-being and policing integrity—joined forces to create Project PACT.

Law Enforcement Action Partnership (LEAP): https://lawenforcementactionpartnership.org/

New Blue: https://newblue.org/

The School of Statesmanship, Stewardship & Service (SOSSAS):

What can police leadership do to preserve the idealism of new police recruits and to promote communication and accountability in their departments?

In this episode, retired law enforcement leader Neill Franklin joins our co-hosts to explore how police culture can shift toward trust, accountability, and real connection with communities.

Neill Franklin spent decades in policing, from narcotics to academy leadership—and he's still not done. A former executive director of LEAP, a former Chief of Human Resources of the Baltimore Police Department, and a former Major of the Maryland State Police, Neill is known for challenging the status quo and building bold, community-focused alternatives to the way policing works.

Topics that co-hosts Chief Mike Butler, Dr. Carol Engel-Enright, and Kristin Daley, and their guest, Neill Franklin, explore in this episode:

(02:25) Neill’s Early Policing Experience

* Neill reflects on his time with the Maryland State Police.

(9:59) Drug Policy and Field Training

* The racial disparities in drug enforcement and the violence it fuels.

* How field training can be reconnected with academy ideals.

(24:14) Building Trust

* How trust starts with simple, respectful communication.

* Avoiding over-policing victims.

(36:01) First-Line Supervisors

* Supervisors need to be hands-on coaches, not buried in admin tasks.

(47:52) Leading a Department by Vision and Relationship

* Ethical Policing Is Courageous (EPIC), an initiative launched by Baltimore Police Commissioner Mike Harrison.

* Neill lays out what he'd do as a police chief—starting with direct, personal communication.

Thanks to Neill Franklin for being on the show!

Learn more about Neill: https://neillfranklin.com/

Connect with Neill: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neill-franklin/

This episode of Beyond the Bandaids is brought to you by Project PACT (Police And Community Together). Learn more about Project PACT by visiting https://projectpact.org/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/project_pact_org/

Newsletter: https://projectpact.org/our-courses/

Contact Us: https://projectpact.org/contact-us/

Connect with the co-hosts of Beyond the Bandaids:

Chief Mike Butler on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-butler-6b0b2587/

Dr. Carol Engel-Enright on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carol-engel-enright-97701a10/

Kristin Daley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-daley-23bb7b26b/

The following three organizations—each committed to enhancing community well-being and policing integrity—joined forces to create Project PACT.

Law Enforcement Action Partnership (LEAP):

What does authentic community-police partnership look like in practice? And what steps can community members and police officers take to shift our culture?

This episode explores the attributes of genuine police-community partnerships, moving beyond traditional, patriarchal approaches to public safety. The hosts discuss how joint accountability, shared vision, and authentic relationships are crucial for creating healthy communities and fostering a sense of belonging. They also emphasize that true safety emerges when both police and citizens actively participate and take responsibility for their collective well-being.

Topics that Chief Mike Butler, Dr. Carol Engel-Enright, and Kristin Daley explore in this episode:

(1:18) Building Real Partnership

* How true public safety requires shared responsibility.

* The cultural overhaul needed inside departments before change can happen outside.

(10:11) The Power of Curiosity and Listening

* Using vulnerability and listening as tools for trust-building.

* How inviting community members into ownership transforms neighborhoods.

(27:17) Creating Points of Entry for Citizens

* How everyday people can get involved with police and city governance.

* The role of associations in driving community wellness.

(36:36) From Culture Shift to Cultural Leadership

* The role of trust and relationship repair in justice work.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

* The Answer To How Is Yes, a book by Peter Block.

This episode of Beyond the Bandaids is brought to you by Project PACT (Police And Community Together). Learn more about Project PACT by visiting https://projectpact.org/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/project_pact_org/

Newsletter: https://projectpact.org/our-courses/

Contact Us: https://projectpact.org/contact-us/

Connect with the co-hosts of Beyond the Bandaids:

Chief Mike Butler on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-butler-6b0b2587/

Dr. Carol Engel-Enright on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carol-engel-enright-97701a10/

Kristin Daley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-daley-23bb7b26b/

The following three organizations—each committed to enhancing community well-being and policing integrity—joined forces to create Project PACT.

Law Enforcement Action Partnership (LEAP): https://lawenforcementactionpartnership.org/

New Blue: https://newblue.org/

The School of Statesmanship, Stewardship & Service (SOSSAS): https://sossas.org/

Beyond the Bandaids is dedicated to exploring how police officers, public safety professionals, community leaders, and community members can reconnect with their sense of purpose...

What does a truly healthy and interdependent community look like in practice, and how can individuals contribute to its creation?

This episode explores what a healthy, interdependent community looks like when public safety isn’t just the job of police, but of every citizen. Hosts Carol, Mike, and Kristin share personal stories and strategies for shifting from fear-based systems to collaborative, citizen-led solutions. Together, they reveal how mutual trust, shared vision, and co-creation can drive real, lasting change.

Topics that Chief Mike Butler, Dr. Carol Engel-Enright, and Kristin Daley explore in this episode:

(9:40) Overcoming Fear and Building Trust

* How fear can stall progress on both sides of public safety.

* How internal organizational change at Mike’s department enabled external community trust.

* Creating a safe environment through trial, error, and learning.

(22:27) Co-Creation in Action

* How police officers and citizens can co-create solutions, including restorative justice courts and cultural awareness training.

* The need for a shared vision and mutual design of safety systems.

(27:54) Community Engagement

* How active citizen participation can reshape systems.

(45:05) How You Can Make a Difference

* Actionable tips for everyday citizens.

This episode of Beyond the Bandaids is brought to you by Project PACT (Police And Community Together). Learn more about Project PACT by visiting https://projectpact.org/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/project-pact-police-and-community-together/about/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/project_pact_org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/project.pact/

Newsletter: https://projectpact.org/our-courses/

Contact Us: https://projectpact.org/contact-us/

Connect with the co-hosts of Beyond the Bandaids:

Chief Mike Butler on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-butler-6b0b2587/

Dr. Carol Engel-Enright on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carol-engel-enright-97701a10/

Kristin Daley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-daley-23bb7b26b/

The following three organizations—each committed to enhancing community well-being and policing integrity—joined forces to create Project PACT.

Law Enforcement Action Partnership (LEAP): https://lawenforcementactionpartnership.org/

New Blue: https://newblue.org/

The School of Statesmanship, Stewardship & Service (SOSSAS): https://sossas.org/

Beyond...

What lessons can be learned from cities that have successfully reformed their police cultures?

In this episode, guest Neil Gross and your hosts discuss police culture and the challenges of reform. Neil shares insights from his book Walk the Walk, which examines how three police departments have successfully shifted their approaches to policing.

Today’s guest didn’t just study policing—he lived it. A former officer turned sociologist, Neil now teaches at Colby College, researching how police culture can change for the better.

Topics that Chief Mike Butler, Dr. Carol Engel-Enright, Kristin Daley, and Neil Gross explore in this episode:

(01:00) The Origins of Walk the Walk

* Why Neil decided to write about police culture and reform.

(10:30) Finding Models of Police Reform

* How Neil identified departments making positive changes.

* The key elements that made the police departments in Stockton (California), Longmont (Colorado), and LaGrange (Georgia) stand out.

(20:45) The Role of Training and Mindset

* The impact of traditional police training on officers’ mentalities.

* The balance between officer safety and community trust.

(30:20) Changing Police Culture from the Inside

* The importance of leadership in shaping department culture.

* What’s next for police reform efforts?

* How communities and officers can work together to create safer cities.

Thanks to Neil Gross for coming on the show. Learn more about Neil: https://neilgross.com/

Get Neil’s book, Walk the Walk: How Three Police Chiefs Defied the Odds and Changed Cop Culture: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1250777526

This episode of Beyond the Bandaids is brought to you by Project PACT (Police And Community Together). Learn more about Project PACT by visiting https://projectpact.org/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/project-pact-police-and-community-together/about/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/project_pact_org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/project.pact/

Newsletter: https://projectpact.org/our-courses/

Contact Us: https://projectpact.org/contact-us/

Connect with the co-hosts of Beyond the Bandaids:

Chief Mike Butler on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-butler-6b0b2587/

Dr. Carol Engel-Enright on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carol-engel-enright-97701a10/

Kristin Daley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-daley-23bb7b26b/

The following three organizations—each committed to enhancing community well-being and...

What are some of the key components of a successful community policing model?

In this episode, Mike Butler, Carol, and Kristin discuss the evolution of community policing and the importance of leadership in law enforcement. They also explore collaborative initiatives like Project PACT and LEAP that aim to bridge gaps between police and communities.

Topics that Chief Mike Butler, Dr. Carol Engel-Enright, and Kristin Daley explore in this episode:

(02:00) Community Policing

* The evolution of community policing.

* The significance of community engagement in law enforcement.

(12:15) Leadership Development in Law Enforcement

* The role of leadership programs in shaping effective police officers.

* Why officers need to feel ownership over their work and department.

(24:30) Collaborative Initiatives

* Overview of Project PACT's mission and impact.

* The contributions of the Law Enforcement Action Partnership (LEAP) to policy reform.

(36:45) Challenges and Solutions in Modern Policing

* Addressing contemporary issues faced by law enforcement agencies.

* Implementing innovative strategies to improve public safety.

* The importance of adaptability and continuous learning in policing.

This episode of Beyond the Bandaids is brought to you by Project PACT (Police And Community Together). Learn more about Project PACT by visiting https://projectpact.org/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/project-pact-police-and-community-together/about/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/project_pact_org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/project.pact/

Newsletter: https://projectpact.org/our-courses/

Contact Us: https://projectpact.org/contact-us/

Connect with the co-hosts of Beyond the Bandaids:

Chief Mike Butler on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-butler-6b0b2587/

Dr. Carol Engel-Enright on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carol-engel-enright-97701a10/

Kristin Daley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-daley-23bb7b26b/

The following three organizations—each committed to enhancing community well-being and policing integrity—joined forces to create Project PACT.

Law Enforcement Action Partnership (LEAP): https://lawenforcementactionpartnership.org/

New Blue: https://newblue.org/

The School of Statesmanship, Stewardship & Service (SOSSAS): https://sossas.org/

Beyond the Bandaids is dedicated to exploring how police officers,...

How can shifting from a problem-solving mindset to a possibility-focused mindset transform policing and communities?

This episode explores how seeing through the lens of goodness can transform public safety and community relationships. Mike, Carol, and Kristin share real-life examples of neighborhoods that became safer through engagement, trust, and collaboration rather than increased enforcement.

Topics that Chief Mike Butler, Dr. Carol Engel-Enright, and Kristin Daley explore in this episode:

(05:26) Building a Strength-Based Police Department

* The importance of compassion over punishment in law enforcement training.

* How traditional policing often reinforces negative cycles.

(17:06) Finding and Supporting Community Champions

* How change agents emerge in both police departments and neighborhoods.

* How New Blue identifies and supports forward-thinking officers who seek systemic change.

(28:27) Transforming a High-Crime Neighborhood

* A story of a gang-infested neighborhood that went from 150+ calls per month to fewer than five, through community-led initiatives.

* The role of shared vision and persistence.

(44:00) When Communities Bring Goodness into Policing

* How an activist leader helped transform police-community relations by focusing on gifts instead of grievances.

* How meaningful engagement changes officers’ perspectives and builds trust.

This episode of Beyond the Bandaids is brought to you by Project PACT (Police And Community Together). Learn more about Project PACT by visiting https://projectpact.org/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/project-pact-police-and-community-together/about/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/project_pact_org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/project.pact/

Newsletter: https://projectpact.org/our-courses/

Contact Us: https://projectpact.org/contact-us/

Connect with the co-hosts of Beyond the Bandaids:

Chief Mike Butler on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-butler-6b0b2587/

Dr. Carol Engel-Enright on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carol-engel-enright-97701a10/

Kristin Daley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-daley-23bb7b26b/

The following three organizations—each committed to enhancing community well-being and policing integrity—joined forces to create Project PACT.

Law Enforcement Action Partnership (LEAP): https://lawenforcementactionpartnership.org/

New Blue: https://newblue.org/

The School of Statesmanship, Stewardship & Service (SOSSAS):

How have police roles evolved from the 1800s to the present day?

This episode explores how police roles have evolved from peace officers to law enforcement agents. Hosts Mike, Carol, and Kristin also discuss the challenges of police overload, the importance of community partnerships, and ways to create safer, more connected neighborhoods.

Topics that Chief Mike Butler, Dr. Carol Engel-Enright, and Kristin Daley explore in this episode:

* The unhealthy over-dependence on police for non-criminal social and health issues.

* How neighborhood self-sufficiency can drastically reduce calls for police service.

* Shifting from punitive enforcement to community-centered safety approaches.

* Addressing recidivism and the limitations of the current criminal justice system.

* Challenges of police cultural norms.

* Practical steps neighborhoods can take to improve safety without heavy police reliance.

* How transparency and open communication can rebuild community trust in police.

Chapters:

(02:46) Historical Context: How Police Roles Have Evolved

(09:01) Present-Day Challenges

(18:54) Legislative Impact on Police Responsibilities

(26:57) Neighborhood Self-Sufficiency

(35:21) Building Social Capital

(42:35) Shifting Police Culture

A resource mentioned in this episode: Safety in Our Hands, a book by Mike Butler and Peter Block.

This episode of Beyond the Bandaids is brought to you by Project PACT (Police And Community Together). Learn more about Project PACT by visiting https://projectpact.org/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/project-pact-police-and-community-together/about/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/project_pact_org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/project.pact/

Newsletter: https://projectpact.org/our-courses/

Contact Us: https://projectpact.org/contact-us/

Connect with the co-hosts of Beyond the Bandaids:

Chief Mike Butler on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-butler-6b0b2587/

Dr. Carol Engel-Enright on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carol-engel-enright-97701a10/

Kristin Daley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-daley-23bb7b26b/

The following three organizations—each committed to enhancing community well-being and policing integrity—joined forces to create Project PACT.

Law Enforcement Action Partnership (LEAP): https://lawenforcementactionpartnership.org/

New Blue: https://newblue.org/

The School of Statesmanship, Stewardship & Service (SOSSAS):