Police Chief Candidate McCanham emphasizes compassionate policing at candidate forum
Bloomfield Township Police Chief Scott McCanham believes police officers on a college campus should consider age as a factor in determining punitive actions.
McCanham is one of four finalists for Central Michigan University's next chief of police. The search began after CMUPD Chief William Yeagley announced his retirement in February.
During a candidate forum on May 16, McCanham stressed that officers need to have compassion for young people.
“We made mistakes as young adults," McCanham said. "These young people’s lives can be so impacted by their contact with us. We need to understand the importance of making that contact positive.”
McCanham said he has been following CMU crime reports, and he appreciates CMU's approach to marijuana and alcohol violations, because typically, instead of arresting students, officers have the discretion to refer students to education programs instead. McCanham said he wants to continue using that approach if he is hired.
During the forum, McCanham referred to citizens as customers. He uses that term because he believes the police department is meant to serve the community. In Bloomfield Township, he was part of a "customer service" task force that reached out to community members to address concerns and inform them about police process.
McCanham also discussed the importance of treating others the way you want to be treated.
“You’ll often see those videos that come out where law enforcement gets themselves in trouble. Law enforcement are so focused on getting rid of the problem, they tend to be terrible listeners,” McCanham said. He said officers need to get better at listening to what people need, and making sure they get it, especially in cases involving mental health.
Doctoral student Kelvin Byrd was pleased with McCanham’s philosophy toward mental health.
“We need someone who understands that element so we can have better relations between police officers and students,” Byrd said.
