S.A.F.E. Principles for Common Calls for Service: A Discussion

Tuesday, October 22, 2024

12:30 PM – 1:30 PM ET

Location: 205A

Submitter and Speaker(s)

Patrick L. Kreis

Chief of Police, Vice President at Large, Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police (Ret.)
Vernon Hills (IL) Police Department
Vernon Hills, Illinois, United States

Speaker(s)

David Anderson

Chief of Police, Member – Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police
Des Plaines (IL) Police Department
Des Plaines, Illinois, United States
Schenita Stewart

Chief of Police, Member – Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police
Evanston (IL) Police Department
Evanston, Illinois, United States

Police officers have often found themselves playing a role in unfortunate tragedies when responding to otherwise minor events. The Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police established an ad-hoc committee, Rethinking Responses to Common Calls for Service. By 2023, the committee’s work led to the formation of S.A.F.E. Principles for Common Calls for Service. The underlying premise of S.A.F.E. is that police leaders have a responsibility to limit the likelihood of unnecessary tragedies stemming from minor, low-risk incidents. The work is designed to provoke conversation and critical thought about how we can evolve police culture and help our personnel avoid the next unnecessary tragedy. Three chiefs from the committee will explore practical application of the S.A.F.E. Principles.