Just the Facts Ma’am – Just the Facts

“It is a capital mistake to theorize before one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit theories, instead of theories to suit facts” says Sherlock Holmes. ~ Sir Arthur Conan Doyle - A Scandal in Bohemia.

The RF Factor presents Episode 21: Just the facts Ma’am – Just the facts

Somewhat of a “Sherlock Holmes / Sgt. Joe Friday” himself, Bob Scales is former Federal and State prosecutor, City Councilman, Government Affairs Director, Asst Public Safety Director, Senior Policy Analyst, now CEO of Police Strategies, LLC.

Listen, to how this experienced Chief Executive Officer, with a demonstrated history of working in the law enforcement industry and local government, shares his work and insights on matters of Police Reform. 

Bob’s main message on Police Reform, parallels that of Sherlock Holmes, in that it is a capital mistake to opine or develop a theory as to the need for it - before one has the data upon which to base it. 

To Bob, it’s all about the data – the data and the facts. 

Every law enforcement and Government leader may want to listen as Bob candidly shares his observations and experiences with Police “Consent Decrees.” You be the judge. 

Bob’s team works every day to provide data analytics and dashboard systems for law enforcement agencies. They help police departments make data driven decisions and develop evidence-based policies and training. 

Another key takeaway from this Episode of the RF Factor, and one that every Police Chief may want to think about, is a proactive approach to look deep inside his or her agency to ask the right questions and collect the right data about the manner in which they provide services. The strategy he outlines here is it is best to get out in front of a potential problem and fix it. 

Also, to be prepared before a crisis in order to inform and educate the public should questionable accusations arise, with hard data and facts in hand. People want the truth, it is key to building and sustaining trust and confidence in policing services. 

Abraham Lincoln is credited with pointing this out saying: I am a firm believer in the people. If given the truth, they can be depended upon to meet any national crisis. The great point is to bring them the real facts.

(Source: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/abraham_lincoln_118732)

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Bob Scales is a founding partner of Police Strategies LLC where he currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer. Police Strategies uses data science and technology to drive policing reform and build community trust. Bob created the Police Force Analysis System℠ in 2015 to help law enforcement agencies better understand how their officers are using force and to develop evidence-based best practices. 

Bob is an attorney with 20 years of government experience serving as a deputy prosecuting attorney, a special assistant United States attorney, a policy advisor to four Seattle Mayors, Director of Government Affairs, and Compliance Coordinator for the Seattle Police Department. Bob negotiated the settlement agreement between the City of Seattle and the U.S. Department of Justice to resolve allegations of misuse of force.  Bob was elected to two terms on the City Council of Bainbridge Island, Washington.