Police use of force/practice and procedures

Specialties & Experience of this Expert Witness

Additional Information

With over 32 years of dedicated service in law enforcement, I have built a career focused on leadership, operational excellence, and the safety of the communities I serve. As the Chief of Police and Director of Public Safety for a community of 33,000 residents, I oversee all police and fire department operations. My primary goal is to uphold the highest standards in both departments while continually implementing best practices to ensure effective public safety. My background includes a deep expertise in defensive tactics, the use of force, police procedures, and comprehensive training programs. I’ve gained substantial experience in policy development, internal investigations, and risk management. Throughout my career, I have guided departments to achieve and maintain accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) and other respected bodies, ensuring strict adherence to national standards. Additionally, my work has extended to emergency vehicle operations, school safety, premises liability, and effective supervision and management of personnel. I take my role as an expert witness in police conduct litigation with the utmost seriousness. I maintain a strictly neutral and objective perspective in my consulting work, ensuring that my assessments and recommendations are always grounded in facts, evidence, and established best practices. I aim to consistently support fair and just outcomes, regardless of the parties involved. I believe firmly in fostering a culture of accountability, integrity, and professionalism within law enforcement. Whether focusing on training officers or overseeing department-wide initiatives, I aim to optimize efficiency, promote safety, and build lasting trust with the community. Through my leadership in school safety and community relations, I’ve worked to create secure environments for students and residents alike. As a recognized leader in the field, I approach every challenge strategically, offering informed and authoritative guidance to enhance the effectiveness and credibility of police operations. AREAS OF EXPERTISE USE OF FORCE | CIVIL LIABILITY | BEST PRACTICE STANDARDS | POLICY/PROCEDURES | SCHOOL POLICING | PREMISE LIABILITY | POLICE OPERATIONS | RISK MANAGMENT | EMERGENCY VEHICLE OPERATIONS | POLICE TRAINING | SUPERVISION & MANAGEMENT | WORK EXPERIENCE Director of Public Safety/Chief of Police - Northville, Township, Michigan 2021- current ● Chief of Police for a community of 33,000 residents. ● Lead an agency accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA), Michigan Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission (MLEAC), and (CALEA-accredited communications center. ● Responsibilities include all aspects of police and fire department operations. Criminal Justice Consultant Police Chiefs Risk Management Group, LLC Ann Arbor, Michigan 2022- current Please see the attached curriculum vitae for more details. Thank you, Scott J. Hilden