Beyond the Bandaids with Project PACT

Building Social Capital to Crowd Out Crime

How can communities move from dependence on institutions to interdependence with one another? This episode explores how communities can move beyond dependence on institutions and embrace interdependence to create lasting safety and well-being. Mike, Carol, and Kristin discuss strategies rooted in John McKnight’s asset-based community development model, highlighting the importance of cultivating relationships, building trust, and amplifying neighborhood gifts. Together, they unpack how focusing on goodness, social capital, and shared responsibility transforms both neighborhoods and public safety culture. Topics that Chief Mike Butler, Dr. Carol Engel-Enright, and Kristin Daley explore in this episode:  (03:37) Mike honors John McKnight’s legacy and explains his conviction that neighborhoods themselves can heal when supported with purpose. (07:11) The importance of listening and understanding when engaging diverse community perspectives. (09:18) Conversations with city managers and police chiefs about shifting effectiveness metrics from arrests to community self-reliance. (14:42) Helping neighbors recognize their own gifts, skills, and talents. (19:57) How initial resistance and frustration from community members can evolve into shared responsibility. (22:55) Connecting neuroscience to policing (28:31) How block parties, barbecues, and potlucks build belonging in neighborhoods. (35:36) Why community engagement and goodness naturally crowd out crime and harmful behaviors. 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/ [https://projectpact.org/]  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/project_pact_org/ [https://www.instagram.com/project_pact_org/]  Newsletter: https://projectpact.org/our-courses/ [https://projectpact.org/our-courses/]  Contact Us: https://projectpact.org/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/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-butler-6b0b2587/]  Dr. Carol Engel-Enright on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carol-engel-enright-97701a10/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/carol-engel-enright-97701a10/]  Kristin Daley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-daley-23bb7b26b/ [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/ [https://lawenforcementactionpartnership.org/]  New Blue: https://newblue.org/ [https://newblue.org/]  The School of Statesmanship, Stewardship & Service (SOSSAS): https://sossas.org/ [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 and inspire positive change in their local community. Subscribe via Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3Fd6ngx [https://apple.co/3Fd6ngx]  Subscribe via Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0abIoZWKrsleU8dYZiMVrc [https://open.spotify.com/show/0abIoZWKrsleU8dYZiMVrc]  Subscribe via YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ProjectPACT-org  [https://www.youtube.com/@ProjectPACT-org] This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co/ [https://www.storyon.co/]

Safer Neighborhoods Through Stewardship

What does it look like to embrace citizenship by taking responsibility for safety, instead of leaving it to others? This episode explores how neighborhoods can move from dependence on police and government toward interdependent, self-reliant models of community safety. Mike, Carol, and Kristin discuss the stewardship mindset, the importance of partnership, and the collective will that transforms neighborhoods. Through lessons from thought leaders and reflections on disasters, the hosts emphasize that lasting safety comes when communities take ownership of their future. Topics that Chief Mike Butler, Dr. Carol Engel-Enright, and Kristin Daley explore in this episode:  (01:00) Redefining Community Safety * The idea of neighborhoods owning their own safety. * The shift from patriarchal models of policing to true partnerships with communities. (10:15) Neighborhoods * How different neighborhoods evolve at different paces toward self-reliance. (23:05) From Dependence to Partnership * Joint accountability, the dangers of unhealthy dependence, and the limits of policing. (30:01) Disasters and Neighborhood Resilience * Carol recalls her neighborhood’s experience during a devastating flood and the role of the National Guard. (41:00) Shared Responsibility * How collaboration, nurturing, and consistency are the puzzle pieces of lasting safety. Resources:  * Abundant Community by Peter Block and John McKnight.  * Safety in Our Hands by Peter Block and Mike Butler. 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/ [https://projectpact.org/]  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/project_pact_org/ [https://www.instagram.com/project_pact_org/]  Newsletter: https://projectpact.org/our-courses/ [https://projectpact.org/our-courses/]  Contact Us: https://projectpact.org/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/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-butler-6b0b2587/]  Dr. Carol Engel-Enright on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carol-engel-enright-97701a10/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/carol-engel-enright-97701a10/]  Kristin Daley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-daley-23bb7b26b/ [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/ [https://lawenforcementactionpartnership.org/]  New Blue: https://newblue.org/ [https://newblue.org/]  The School of Statesmanship, Stewardship & Service (SOSSAS): https://sossas.org/ [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 and inspire positive change in their local community. Subscribe via Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3Fd6ngx [https://apple.co/3Fd6ngx]  Subscribe via Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4h8puWm [https://spoti.fi/4h8puWm]  Subscribe via YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ProjectPACT-org  [https://www.youtube.com/@ProjectPACT-org] This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co/ [https://www.storyon.co/]

From Command and Control to Collaborative Community Partnerships

How can neighborhoods take ownership of their safety? This episode continues to explore alternatives to the traditional criminal justice system and how communities can take a leading role in creating safety. Mike, Carol, and Kristin discuss programs that transformed neighborhoods, addressed mental health and substance use, and reframed domestic violence as a health issue.  Topics that Chief Mike Butler, Dr. Carol Engel-Enright, and Kristin Daley explore in this episode:  03:20 – Vision for Change * How deep listening shaped Mike’s leadership in Longmont, moving away from command-and-control policing. 11:59 – Community Conversations  * Inviting neighborhoods to direct safety efforts.  29:09 – Co-Responder Models  * Addressing mental health, substance abuse, and homelessness. 41:22 – Trauma and Healing * How trauma multiplies within the justice system and how community-wide involvement reduces domestic violence lethality. 47:37 – Building Sustainable Change * How Longmont reduced gangs and violent crime. 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/ [https://projectpact.org/]  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/project_pact_org/ [https://www.instagram.com/project_pact_org/]  Newsletter: https://projectpact.org/our-courses/ [https://projectpact.org/our-courses/]  Contact Us: https://projectpact.org/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/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-butler-6b0b2587/]  Dr. Carol Engel-Enright on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carol-engel-enright-97701a10/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/carol-engel-enright-97701a10/]  Kristin Daley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-daley-23bb7b26b/ [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/ [https://lawenforcementactionpartnership.org/]  New Blue: https://newblue.org/ [https://newblue.org/]  The School of Statesmanship, Stewardship & Service (SOSSAS): https://sossas.org/ [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 and inspire positive change in their local community. Subscribe via Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3Fd6ngx [https://apple.co/3Fd6ngx]  Subscribe via Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4h8puWm [https://spoti.fi/4h8puWm]  Subscribe via YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ProjectPACT-org  [https://www.youtube.com/@ProjectPACT-org] This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co/ [https://www.storyon.co/]

Rethinking Justice: Alternatives to Police Citations and Arrests

Are the police responsible for fixing the social issues of our communities? In this episode, we continue to explore what we discussed in the previous episode—what it means for a police department to go beyond arrests and citations. Chief Butler reflects on his time in Longmont, Colorado, describing how acknowledging pain, listening deeply, and experimenting with restorative justice transformed both the police department and the community. Together, we highlight how partnerships, shared accountability, and social connections create a safer and more connected future. Topics that Chief Mike Butler, Dr. Carol Engel-Enright, and Kristin Daley explore in this episode:  03:20 – Acknowledging the Past * Mike recalls the challenges he faced in Longmont after a tragic incident. * The importance of recognizing trauma and beginning with deep listening. 11:46 – Listening and Building Trust * How vulnerability and active listening laid the groundwork for new community relationships. * How creating safe spaces for dialogue builds trust internally and externally. * Mike describes holding multiple listening sessions with staff and the community to move conversations from pain toward the future. 21:00 – Planting Seeds of Change * Connecting the concept of “fertile soil” to the cultural shift away from black-and-white policing. 25:18 – Alternatives to Enforcement * Restorative justice and how Longmont’s efforts reduced recidivism and improved victim satisfaction. 32:32 – Measuring Success Differently * Three guiding questions for public safety: community safety, reducing recidivism, and healing victims. 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/ [https://projectpact.org/]  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/project_pact_org/ [https://www.instagram.com/project_pact_org/]  Newsletter: https://projectpact.org/our-courses/ [https://projectpact.org/our-courses/]  Contact Us: https://projectpact.org/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/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-butler-6b0b2587/]  Dr. Carol Engel-Enright on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carol-engel-enright-97701a10/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/carol-engel-enright-97701a10/]  Kristin Daley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-daley-23bb7b26b/ [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/ [https://lawenforcementactionpartnership.org/]  New Blue: https://newblue.org/ [https://newblue.org/]  The School of Statesmanship, Stewardship & Service (SOSSAS): https://sossas.org/ [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 and inspire positive change in their local community. Subscribe via Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3Fd6ngx [https://apple.co/3Fd6ngx]  Subscribe via Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4h8puWm [https://spoti.fi/4h8puWm]  Subscribe via YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ProjectPACT-org  [https://www.youtube.com/@ProjectPACT-org] This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co/ [https://www.storyon.co/]

Beyond Arrest and Citations: From Punishment to Partnership

What alternatives to arrests and citations can reduce harm and strengthen safety? In this episode, Mike, Carol, and Kristin challenge the overreliance on arrests and citations as default responses to complex social and health issues. They explore how the criminal justice system’s one-size-fits-all model perpetuates cycles of harm for both offenders and victims. They also highlight the need for upstream solutions, deeper community partnerships, and practical alternatives that prioritize safety and belonging. Topics that Chief Mike Butler, Dr. Carol Engel-Enright, and Kristin Daley explore in this episode:  (0:19) Overrelying on the Criminal Justice System * How arrests and citations have become default tools for addressing social and health issues. * Why some elected officials perpetuate the idea that laws and penalties can “fix” complex problems, despite high recidivism rates. (8:29) Building Trust and Compassion * Mutual trust, compassion, and resource development are foundations for healthier police-community relationships. (15:57) Disentangling Police From the Criminal Justice “Hip” * Challenging police departments to develop alternatives beyond arrests, urging connection with the “heart of the community.” (22:30) Lack of Options and Systemic Bottlenecks * Calls for emotional intelligence and active listening training to help officers discern better responses. * How the lack of practical alternatives leaves officers with few options, feeding into an overwhelmed justice system. (33:25) Community Partnerships * The need for community collaboration and victim inclusion in justice processes. * How restorative justice prioritizes healing for victims while reducing offender recidivism. 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/ [https://projectpact.org/]  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/project_pact_org/ [https://www.instagram.com/project_pact_org/]  Newsletter: https://projectpact.org/our-courses/ [https://projectpact.org/our-courses/]  Contact Us: https://projectpact.org/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/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-butler-6b0b2587/]  Dr. Carol Engel-Enright on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carol-engel-enright-97701a10/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/carol-engel-enright-97701a10/]  Kristin Daley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-daley-23bb7b26b/ [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/ [https://lawenforcementactionpartnership.org/]  New Blue: https://newblue.org/ [https://newblue.org/]  The School of Statesmanship, Stewardship & Service (SOSSAS): https://sossas.org/ [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 and inspire positive change in their local community. Subscribe via Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3Fd6ngx [https://apple.co/3Fd6ngx]  Subscribe via Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4h8puWm [https://spoti.fi/4h8puWm]  Subscribe via YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ProjectPACT-org  [https://www.youtube.com/@ProjectPACT-org] This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co/ [https://www.storyon.co/]