As an independent consultant and police/public policy researcher, I am privileged to interview amazing police leaders from across the country for various projects.
While researching trends in police training, I met several chiefs and sheriffs whose creative minds and innovative spirits caught my attention. These dynamic leaders are implementing meaningful change within their departments and communities, and they are seeing tangible results. The most impressive part is that many of them are operating on shoestring budgets, which makes their creativity and motivation even more valuable.
I am honored to showcase these leaders in this multi-article series titled “Pioneers in Policing: Innovative Approaches in Law Enforcement Leadership.”
In the heart of a tight-knit Arizona community, Chief Joshua McIntire of the Chino Valley Police Department is redefining the essence of law enforcement. From orchestrating vibrant community events to fostering a culture of inclusion and growth within the department, McIntire’s approach is a beacon of progressive policing.
McIntire’s philosophy of law enforcement is deeply rooted in the service of the citizenry, evidenced by the department’s mission statement that proclaims serving citizens is “a privilege, not a right.” His outlook on leadership and the responsibility of the police to its people was notably encapsulated in his belief that: “The citizen is the most important person in our department. Not an interruption of work but the purpose of it.”
Beyond the mission statement and the formal language of policy, McIntire’s interview is laden with anecdotes that resonate with genuine care and commitment. From celebrating citizen birthdays to compassionate responses to personal tragedies, McIntire’s actions and those of his department tell a story of police work infused with empathy and proactive kindness.
Solidifying organizational culture through collective strengths
At the core of the Chino Valley Police Department’s ethos is a leadership style that emphasizes inclusivity and collaboration. The department’s leaders understand the power of involving officers in decision-making processes, which, as McIntire describes, is not about relinquishing control but about fostering a sense of belonging and investment in the department’s direction. “It’s not just leadership swooping in: ‘This is what we’re doing,’” McIntire notes. “It’s about having a well-thought-out plan and keeping people in the mix.” As he further explains, his approach is grounded in the belief that when officers feel supported and heard, it translates into better community relations.
McIntire’s pursuit of a master’s program introduced him to adaptive and transitional leadership concepts, further fueling his commitment to inclusive and participatory management styles. By sharing these insights and incorporating team members into decision-making and training, a ripple effect of growth and learning was set in motion within the department.
Notably, this approach has inspired sergeants to pursue higher education, not solely for promotion but to enhance their leadership capabilities.
“It isn’t just about promoting. It’s about learning and growing,” he reflects, underlining the shift from individual achievement to collective advancement and ensuring a future of well-educated and adept leaders within the force to carry on the existing organizational culture. “I’ll go to the officers and ask, ‘Hey, what’s your take on this?’ And then I get a bunch of different perspectives and they a sense of collaboration and involvement in the decision-making process. It’s even better when they bring up something I hadn’t thought of and I say ‘You know what? You’re right. I like that idea. Thanks for your help!’”
Training that demonstrates community commitment
The Chino Valley Police Department stands out for its commitment to exceptional training and community service, positioning itself as somewhat of an oasis of integrity in a challenging landscape.
This excellence in training is evident in the department’s adoption of the Police2Peace training program, with more than a third of the agency having participated.
“I took the online executive portion and the officer-level portion and loved it, as did my lieutenant and other members of command staff,” says McIntire. “We went through it first to see what it was about and kind of took a deep dive into it, and we loved the philosophies being taught. We concluded that this training would be highly beneficial to our staff. So we initially sent about a third of our organization down to the in-person Police2Peace training. I opted for the in-person training because it’s more personal. There’s more back-and-forth conversation. The remainder of the PD personnel are being scheduled for upcoming, in-person training to meet our goal of having 100% of staff trained.”
The department’s dedication culminates in the “Peace Officer Oath,” a solemn promise to the community signifying a commitment to do no harm. It’s a public pledge that officers take before the town council and citizens, reinforcing their daily mission to serve.
“This is what it’s about,” McIntire explains, as they plan to have the entire department take the oath, with the proceedings shared widely on social media, ensuring transparency and accountability to the people they serve. “We’re taking the mindset that yes, we’re peace officers. Yeah, we police people. We’re called law enforcement. But a lot of the time we’re not enforcing the law. We’re not policing people. We’re bringing peace. We’re counselors and guidance people and mentors, and that’s a big portion of our role. And you can’t lose sight of that.”
Inclusive leadership: Fostering a community-focused police culture
The spirit of togetherness extends beyond the police department to the town’s leadership. Describing the close-knit nature of Chino Valley’s town council and administrative team, McIntire states, “Everybody’s super involved and everybody works together. Our motto is: One Town, One Team.” From finance directors to town managers, all actively participate in community events like National Night Out, demonstrating a united front. This camaraderie and visible support, he explains, significantly uplifts the morale of the police force. “We have support from our administration,” McIntire affirms, which fosters a positive, proactive working environment for everyone involved.
Chief McIntire, alongside the Chino Valley Police Department and staff, the Mayor and the town council, exemplify a united front in their dedication to serving the community through a variety of events. Their teamwork is a testament to the shared vision of enhancing the quality of life for residents, demonstrating how law enforcement and city leadership can come together to foster a sense of belonging and mutual respect. Through their collective efforts, they not only address the immediate needs of the community but also build a foundation of trust and cooperation that strengthens the fabric of Chino Valley.
“Operation Donut Drop”
Recently retired Chino Valley Police Chief Charles Wynn launched an initiative called “Operation Donut Drop,” where he delivered donuts to different businesses every few weeks. The gesture is more than a simple treat; it’s a bridge between the police department and the community it serves. Wynn started this program on his own accord to show the department’s commitment to the community and to make the police more approachable, demonstrating a genuine commitment to citizens’ well-being and laying the foundation for a stronger, more connected community. “He loves the community, and you can tell,” claims McIntire.
Birthday beat: A community connection
A rookie officer from the Chino Police Department quickly became an example of the department’s community-first approach. Shortly after her academy training, she connected with a local woman in her nineties, living alone. “After initially meeting the woman, she spent time getting to know her and her living situation,” McIntire recalled. “’You live alone?’ ‘Yeah.’ ‘Well, do you have any family around?’ Digging for pertinent information in case the woman needed assistance in the future. She’s thinking 10 steps ahead of the game, which is great. What if we get there for a medical call and she’s unable to speak? Who do we call?”
The officer immediately began building a rapport. She routinely checked on her, chatted with her and even engaged with her cat. Her attentiveness paid off when she learned of the woman’s birthday. She didn’t just buy a cupcake and a card; she got the entire department to sign it and organized on-duty officers and professional staff to visit the woman’s home. The team, including the chief, showed up to wish her a happy birthday, sang to her, and stayed for a chat. They continued to follow up with her afterward, showcasing the friendly, personal side of policing that Chino Valley values.
Beyond the badge: Support in tragedy
After a local family faced an unimaginable tragedy with a juvenile incident, the Chino Valley Police Department stepped in not just as law enforcers, but as pillars of support. Understanding the family’s grief and inability to stay in their home, officers arranged for a hotel room to provide temporary solace. They also tapped into mental health resources, ensuring the family had immediate access to counseling and support.
The department’s compassion didn’t stop at logistical aid. Discovering it was the surviving child’s birthday, they organized a heartfelt gesture. One officer coordinated with nearby agencies to gather birthday gifts, including a bike and helmet the boy wanted. The day became a community effort as the local fire department and sheriff’s department joined in. The police department even closed its doors for a brief moment to celebrate the boy’s birthday at the hotel, a powerful testament to the force’s commitment to the community in times of need and celebration alike.
Parade patrol: Celebrating birthdays during lockdown
The Chino Valley Police Department found a creative way to bring joy to their youngest residents during the challenging lockdown periods of COVID-19. Recognizing the isolation felt by local children with disabilities, the officers initiated what they affectionately termed “the parade.” It was a simple concept: drive by homes in their patrol cars, announce a cheery “Happy Birthday” over the PA system, and offer a friendly wave from a distance to celebrate children’s birthdays. “That was our officers doing that,” McIntire recalls, “It didn’t come from upstairs. That was just them on a daily basis, giving back.”
The spontaneity of these gestures is a source of pride for the department. “If somebody called us right now and said, ‘Hey, my son’s having a birthday. He loves the police.’ It’s all hands on deck, we’re doing a drive-by“ McIntire explains. With a laugh, he clarifies, “It’s a different term here, let’s drive by and get out of the car and make sure are proving to our community that we are always there for them, no matter the situation or need.” This readiness to engage with the community, to “drop what we’re doing and go,” as he puts it, underscores the department’s commitment to community service, proving that nothing is more important than nurturing the bonds they have with the public.
Dodgeball challenge
“Our chief has assigned a school resource officer (SRO), funded by our department, to local schools because they lacked the necessary resources. Two years ago, the SRO told us the eighth-graders were challenging us to dodgeball, so we decided to take it seriously.” McIntire laughed as he told the story. “We have animal control, police officers, I’m there, lieutenants, sergeants. Everybody’s playing against these eighth graders. And of course, it’s unfair because there are hundreds of them and we’re cycling our staff, who are older and quickly exhausted. But it’s fun and has become a yearly tradition. Each year we invite the town council, mayor and town manager, and they all show up to cheer everybody on.”
This isn’t just some dodgeball game — it also became an opportunity for fundraising and community engagement. The competition concludes with a trophy presentation, initially modest, but now grander thanks to the mayor’s enthusiasm and unwavering support for the yearly event. The trophy isn’t just a prize; it’s a beacon of community spirit, proudly displayed in Chino PD’s lobby.
This event, much like National Night Out, is eagerly anticipated by officers who love the chance to engage with the community in such a fun way. “Giving out balloons and getting everyone ‘candied up’ before they head home just adds to the fun. It’s all about creating lasting memories with the families we serve,” says McIntire.
National Night Out: More than just checking the box
The Chino Valley Police Department’s ninth National Night Out was a hit, thanks to strong community and business support. Held in Memory Park, in the heart of the town, it featured food, games, vendors and a special concert by Frank Ray, a former police officer turned country singer. Local businesses played a crucial role, contributing generously to ensure the night was filled with free activities, hot dogs, drinks and entertainment. The town’s leaders, including the mayor, manager, and town council, also showed up to support the event. Frank Ray’s performance was a standout moment, providing entertainment for an hour and a half.
Funding for the National Night Out came from both local businesses and the town, highlighting the community’s commitment to the event.
“Our town is very proactive in supporting us,” McIntire remarked, explaining that the event raised thousands of dollars through donations. But it’s not just about fundraising: McIntire emphasizes the human connection. The entire police department and the police foundation were involved in the event. “Nobody’s off. Everybody works the event,” explains McIntire. “The whole department’s there, including the chief, down to our canines.”
Those assigned to patrol rotate out with those assigned to the event, so everyone can participate in interacting with the attendees. Activities included SWAT demonstrations, a Department of Public Safety helicopter landing, and booths from the fire department and health services, offering fun and educational experiences for families.
Outcomes: When the community gives back
Chino Valley PD’s commitment to community-oriented policing is paying off with tangible results. The city knows their police department is there when they need them, and they return the favor.
Crowdsourcing for a great cause
McIntire talks about local businesses and citizens stepping up to provide for an officer’s critically ill daughter. “When there’s a need, Chino Valley steps up,” he said, painting a picture of a tight-knit community where the police department is an integral thread in the social fabric. Several years ago, an officer’s daughter had a life-threatening illness and needed to be transported to a children’s hospital in Phoenix. To help support the officer, Chino Valley PD reached out to the community for fundraising support. “We had a couple of fundraising events. For one, we went to a local restaurant that sponsored us. We served food, took orders, and it was kind of a nightmare because we aren’t food servers. But the restaurant staff helped us out, and we got a portion of the proceeds to help our officer. Then another business heard about it and they did their own fundraiser, and half the proceeds from that also went directly to the officer and his family for ongoing medical care.”
New rifle-rated plates
In 2018, the department desperately needed new rifle-rated plates to outfit their patrol officers. They turned to Shield 616, a nonprofit that works with Angel Armor to help departments crowd-source to get essential gear. Shield 616 paired local sponsors with members of law enforcement to add a personal touch to each donation, then hosted a large presentation, once again at Memory Park. The community was invited, and sponsors were able to meet their designated officers and exchange contact information. McIntire himself speaks warmly of his own sponsor, Mary, whose supportive relationship continues to this day. “Mary was at every town event and has always been very supportive of the town and police department.”
New police department facility
When the Chino Valley PD desperately required a new facility, the community rallied behind them, filling the gallery at a town council meeting to ensure the vote for the new building went smoothly. “Everyone was super excited, just as we were. It’s a big deal for our smaller, older community,” said McIntire. The new facility is a vast improvement, boasting 17,000 square feet compared to the previous 1,800. “It’s beautiful. People love coming here.” To celebrate, the PD hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony, followed by an open house — and the community showed up in droves. The support continues, with visitors regularly stopping by for tours.
Conclusion
Chief McIntire and the Chino Valley Police Department have effectively integrated community-focused initiatives into their policing strategy. By hosting community events, engaging with local youth and participating in public service activities, they strengthened the bond between law enforcement and community members. Programs like Police2Peace and public commitments such as the “Peace Officer Oath” have modernized their approach, emphasizing their role as community protectors and supporters rather than just law enforcers.
McIntire is a testament to the possibilities within modern policing — where the badge and the heart are not mutually exclusive, but rather they are collaborative in creating a community where every resident, officer and public servant plays their part in upholding the town’s well-being. ”This is what we do on a daily basis. Serving the citizens of Chino Valley is a privilege, not a right,” McIntire asserts, ever-focused on the human aspect, never forgetting that at the end of the day, it is about the people they serve — and that is the Chino Valley way.
