The Future of Policing with Jim Burch

Jim Burch, President of the National Police Foundation

This episode was recorded April 2nd, 2021 only days before the tragic police shooting of Daunte Wright in a Minneapolis suburb just a few miles from where 12 Geniuses is located. While policing works well for the vast majority of our society, Mr. Wright’s death is yet another reminder that for some Americans being pulled over by the police can be absolutely terrifying and far too often unjustly fatal. There has to be a better way to protect and serve our communities and that is what we’ve set off to explore in this episode. Please listen with an open mind and with empathy for both the people who are unjustly treated and for the brave law enforcement officers who risk their lives to protect others.

In this episode, Don MacPherson is joined by the President of the National Police Foundation, Jim Burch. They discuss the research the National Police Foundation has collected on policing technology, training, and community building as well as the importance of procedural justice. They also discuss the impact of the death of George Floyd, the Black Lives Matter movement and the subsequent protests and unrest across the United States.

Season Four of 12 Geniuses is dedicated to exploring the future and how life is sure to change over the next decade. This episode explores trends in policing that are reshaping the way we live and work.

Before joining the National Police Foundation, Jim Burch served for more than 20 years at the U.S. Department of Justice. While at the U.S. Department of Justice, Burch served in many roles including as the Deputy Assistant Attorney General of the Office of Justice Programs (OJP) and as the Acting Assistant Director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Burch also serves on the Board of Directors for multiple organizations including the National Law Enforcement Officers’ Memorial Fund, the National Safety GIS Foundation, and Street Law, Inc.

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