To Truly Reform Law Enforcement, Embrace the Adage, "We Treasure What We Measure".

The carrot, not the stick, is working well in Camden County, New Jersey. As described in this article, Chief Gabriel Rodriguez motivates officers by enacting the maxim, "We treasure what we measure." Drawing on body-worn camera footage, he assesses and acknowledges officers for the quality of their performance, specifically, how calmly and persuasively they interact with community members. This innovative approach addresses a fundamental but often overlooked question in police reform: How do we measure what we genuinely want officers to do? Instead of relying on punishment, Camden evaluates and extols exemplary performance, with de-escalation rising and excessive force declining as a result. To demonstrate why this shift from punishment to reinforcement is so powerful, the article highlights four field experiments tackling complex, seemingly intractable problems such as workplace accidents and a demoralized workforce. A second, equally neglected question concerns how to galvanize stakeholders. Profoundly positive, one-to-one conversations—conducted in the spirit of positive organizational scholarship—helped rally a plant manager and workers to save a soon-to-beclosed automotive plant. These affirmative exchanges can open doors with groups often sidelined in reform efforts, including police unions. The article concludes with eight steps leaders can use to behaviorally measure de-escalation, institutionalize everyday recognition and promotion practices, and engage key stakeholders. Together, they outline a robust pathway to cultural change—one that helps committed police and union leaders reduce excessive force, strengthen community trust, and place the preservation of life at the center of policing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]