Policing and Good Quality Leadership with Kathleen O'Toole

The Community Safety Podcast

Kathleen O'Toole, the former chief of police in both Boston and Seattle, and the inaugural Chief Inspector of the Garda Inspectorate in Ireland, tasked with overseeing the effectiveness and efficiency of the Garda. Her extensive background provides a well-rounded perspective on law enforcement, spanning both sides of the Atlantic.

"In my journey through the corridors of policing on both sides of the Atlantic, from the gritty streets of Boston to the dynamic challenges of Seattle and the nuanced landscapes of Ireland, I reflect on a career sparked not by strategy but by a simple dare. The early days were marked by the adrenaline of crime-fighting, a whirlwind of arrests and pursuits. However, the realization dawned that beneath the surface, the heart of policing lay in aiding the vulnerable, in being there for those facing life's darkest moments."

• Kathleen O'Toole has a diverse background in law enforcement, having served as chief in Boston and Seattle police departments and as the first chief inspector of guarding spectra in Ireland.

• In the early 1970s, very few women were in policing in Boston. O'Toole joined the police force in 1979 on a dare from friends, and her early experiences were generally positive due to supportive mentors.

• Policing in the past was focused on fighting crime, with little emphasis on prevention and intervention. O'Toole acknowledges that the approach was exciting but led to a deterioration in the quality of life in the city.

• O'Toole highlights the need for effective mentorship, emphasizing how crucial it is for young officers to have the right guidance to avoid going down the wrong path.

• While O'Toole initially found the excitement in making felony arrests, she soon realized the broader scope of police work, with only a small percentage dedicated to violent crime. The majority involves assisting vulnerable individuals.

• O'Toole points out a challenge in recruiting police officers, attributing it to misconceptions fueled by TV shows that portray policing as constant car chases and gunfights.

• Policing challenges extend beyond traditional crime, as O'Toole discusses issues such as homelessness, addiction, and mental health crises, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach.

• The intersection of public health and public safety is highlighted, with data showing that officers respond more frequently to mental health crises than to gunfights.

• O'Toole argues against a knee-jerk reaction to defund the police, advocating for a thoughtful approach that involves harnessing resources across different sectors to provide better solutions for communities.

O'Toole emphasizes the importance of building solid teams and cites examples from her career, such as multidisciplinary approaches in Boston, comprehensive strategies for domestic violence in Massachusetts, and establishing a navigation team in Seattle to assist people experiencing homelessness.