Interview with Oak Park Safety Director/ SEMI Chiefs of Police President Steve Cooper

(Crystal A. Proxmire, Feb. 10, 2022)

Oak Park, MI – Oak Park Director of Public Safety Steve Cooper has been selected as President of the Southeastern Michigan Association Chiefs of Police, an organization made up of departments from throughout Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb Counties.  The group serves to foster collaborative efforts, improve the profession of policing, to attract talent to police jobs, and build relationships with the public.

Oakland County Times spoke with Cooper about the organization, and many of the topics they currently face, including recruitment challenges, racism, use of force, body cameras, community policing, mental health, calls for reducing police funding in favor of mental health supports, as well as what good comes from a career in law enforcement.

Cooper has been with Oak Park Public Safety, which includes both police and fire services, for over 30 years.  He will serve as President through the end of 2022.  Learn more about SE Michigan Association Chiefs of Police  at https://semacp.org/.