The power of compassion in policing
Learn more about the Master of Arts in Leadership.
Michael Souliere is a Master of Arts in Leadership alum. His article on compassion in policing was originally published in the September/October 2024 edition of Blue Line Magazine and is reposted to our site with their permission.
Life has its ups and downs, and some moments really change everything. One of those moments happened when I was a teen living in Brantford, Ont.
At the very young age of 14, when I didn’t know what I wanted to do or where I wanted to go, my life took a pivotal turn on the streets of Brantford. Riding a trail bike without plates, I found myself in what felt like a very scary pursuit with the police. Fear coursed through me as the consequences loomed, yet I couldn’t bring myself to stop. Officer Rens Dekker of the Brantford Police Service finally intercepted me, but what followed wasn’t the expected reprimand; instead, it was a compassionate gesture that changed my life.
Years later, as a fellow officer in the same service, I had the privilege of reiterating this encounter with Sgt. Dekker. I expressed how his understanding and second chance had created a path for me. His compassion sparked within me the desire to positively impact lives, leading to my pursuit of a career in law enforcement.
In my own journey as a police officer, I encountered a group of youths teetering on the edge of delinquency. Drawing from the lessons of compassion instilled by Sgt. Dekker, I opted for understanding over punishment. Through the collaborative efforts of the court system and the Crown, these youths were given a chance at redemption, mirroring the opportunity I had been granted years before.
Some time later, while serving as an instructor, a familiar face crossed my path at the Ontario Police College (OPC) – one of the apprehended youths, now an officer with the Ontario Provincial Police. His revelation that my act of compassion had influenced not only his career but also inspired another youth in the group to join the Toronto Police Service underscored the profound ripple effect of kindness within policing.
This journey epitomizes the transformative power of compassion in law enforcement. It speaks to the ethos of the first responder community, where discretion and empathy serve as guiding principles. My experiences stand as a testament to the enduring impact of one act of compassion, echoing through generations and shaping the fabric of our profession.
As I reflect on this remarkable journey, one moment stands out: it was the day Sgt. Dekker and I, once strangers on opposite sides of the law, became colleagues at the Brantford Police Service. It’s a testament to the unexpected connections and the profound influence we can have on each other’s lives, even as strangers. It reaffirms the belief that every interaction, no matter how fleeting, holds the potential to change the path someone is on.
Sgt. Dekker’s compassion is a reminder of the transformative power we all possess, and the responsibility we bear as police officers to wield it wisely, shaping individual lives and entire communities.
To my fellow officers, whether you’re just starting out or are seasoned veterans, I say: While our role is to uphold the law, we must recognize that behind every encounter lies a unique story. We haven’t walked in the shoes of those we meet; therein lies an opportunity. We face that same fork in the road at every juncture – the choice between compassion and rigidity. It’s a choice that reverberates beyond the immediate moment, shaping the lives of those we encounter and our legacy within the community. Let us remember that in enforcing the law, there are countless ways to do so with empathy and understanding, ultimately fostering a safer and more compassionate society for all.
In the autumn of 1998, I had just been promoted to sergeant, and I was speaking to a soon-to-retire Sgt. Dekker. He said, “Who knew in 1976 that you and I would end up as sergeants together with the Brantford Police?”
Michael Souliere, with a Master of Arts in Leadership from Royal Roads University, and started his career by serving in the Canadian Forces Military Police for six years. He then dedicated 14 years to the Brantford Police Service, reaching the position of Sergeant I-C Forensic Services, with a focus on community policing. He’s also spent 19 years instructing at the Ontario Police College and is currently a Professor at Fanshawe College in the Police Foundations Program.
This article was originally published in the September/October 2024 edition of Blue Line Magazine and is reposted to our site with their permission.
Learn more about the Master of Arts in Leadership.