John De Haas: Social Conflict Resolution Consultant

When you dedicate yourself to a career that spans over forty years in law enforcement, you learn a thing or two.  This week's guest on #TheCoptimizerPodcast, is John DeHaas.  We have a truly exceptional guest with a wealth of experience that we believe every police leader should listen to. In this episode, we cover many topics, particularly around police oversight. My takeaways are many, but the lyrics of the old country song by singer Randy Travis bring a cautionary tale to mind regarding police reform.

"And I hear tell the road to hell is paved with good intentions, but mama my intentions were the best!" 

Now, before you think it is all bad, it's not. Reform is necessary, but the caution is in how we approach it and, more importantly, who we entrust it to.

John brings a unique blend of academic insight, conflict resolution skills, and a four-decade-long professional background in law enforcement to the conversation.

He has spent his career helping individuals and organizations peel back the layers of conflict to reveal the underlying factors. He believes proper resolution goes beyond mere surface-level interests; it's about understanding the deep-seated beliefs, emotions, behaviors, and stories that fuel discord. If you're a police leader seeking to get to the heart of complex conflicts within your community or department, John's insights are invaluable.

John's journey is a testament to his unyielding dedication to bridging divides. With a background that includes military service and leadership roles within the Vancouver Police Department, including eight years as the president of the Vancouver Police Union, John has navigated a vast spectrum of conflicts. He's seen it all, from disputes between individuals on the streets to high-stakes labor relations disputes. His experience speaks to the breadth of challenges that law enforcement leaders face daily.

During his tenure as a police manager, John demonstrated a knack for building collaborative bridges between law enforcement and the communities they serve. He initiated and oversaw successful police-citizen tables, which brought people together to address social conflicts at their roots. His ability to create dialogue and cooperation in adversity is a lesson that can't be missed in today's complex policing landscape.

So, whether you're a police leader striving to understand and navigate intricate conflicts, looking to draw from the experience of a seasoned professional in the trenches, or seeking inspiration to build stronger community connections, John DeHass has something invaluable to share.