For generations, the role of law enforcement has been framed as a necessary force of control—officers tasked with enforcing the law, maintaining order, and ensuring compliance. But is that the best way forward?
Project PACT challenges this traditional approach, arguing that policing should not be about control, but about collaboration. This debate has existed for decades, yet we are at a turning point—do we double down on a punitive model, or do we evolve into a system that builds safety through trust, shared responsibility, and interdependence?
Here’s a look at the two competing visions.
VISION 1: LAW ENFORCEMENT AS CONTROL
For many, the job of police officers is simple: Enforce the law, maintain order, and keep crime in check.
“There is a long history in this country of police being defined by their role as law enforcers. Their purpose has always been to uphold the law, and that’s how society has shaped them.” — Mike Butler
This approach sees officers as the gatekeepers of public safety—the first point of contact in the criminal justice system. The assumption is that safety is created through enforcement, compliance, and deterrence. More officers, more arrests, stricter laws—this is how crime is kept under control.
The Challenges of the Control Model
- It creates a cycle of reaction rather than prevention—officers responding to crime instead of preventing it.
- It places too much responsibility on police—officers are expected to be social workers, crisis responders, and law enforcers all at once.
- It alienates communities—especially those that feel over-policed and under-supported.
Does this model truly make people feel safer? Or does it create a divide between law enforcement and the communities they serve?
VISION 2: LAW ENFORCEMENT AS COLLABORATION
The alternative is a new vision for public safety—one built on partnership, not punishment. Instead of focusing solely on enforcing laws, this model sees policing as a shared responsibility between officers and the communities they serve.
“The purpose of law enforcement is evolving. It is no longer just about enforcing laws—it is about fostering safety in a way that is proactive, human-centered, and rooted in trust.” — Mike Butler
This is the vision of Project PACT—a model where law enforcement is not a separate entity that controls a community, but an integral part of that community’s well-being.
What Collaboration Looks Like in Action
- Community-First Policing – Officers are embedded in communities, engaging with residents not just in times of crisis, but in everyday life.
- Reducing Over-Policing – Focusing on crime prevention through social programs, mental health resources, and proactive problem-solving.
- Trust as a Measure of Success – Instead of measuring policing success by arrests, we measure it by how much trust has been built.
Why Collaboration Works
- It reduces the burden on police – Officers don’t have to be everything to everyone; they are partners in a broader ecosystem of safety.
- It strengthens communities – When people feel connected, they rely less on law enforcement and more on each other.
- It leads to lasting change – Crime prevention comes from social capital, relationships, and support systems, not just punishment.
Kristin Daley explains it this way:
“When policing is done right, it’s not about power—it’s about service. Officers should be facilitators of safety, not the sole providers of it.”
CHOOSING THE FUTURE
The fundamental question is: Do we continue to rely on force and compliance, or do we build something new?
Mike Butler challenges us to rethink policing as a system:
“Do we bet on more laws and oversight, or do we bank on building social capital and chosen accountability? Do we build more prisons, or do we invest in the strength of our communities? The answer should be clear.”
The control model has been in place for decades—but we now know its limitations. The future of law enforcement lies in collaboration, connection, and co-creating safety.
We don’t need more punishment. We need partnership.
