About
With over 33 years of dedicated service in law enforcement, I have built a career focused on leadership, operational excellence, and community safety. 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 in achieving and maintaining accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) and other respected accrediting 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.
During my career, I have gained extensive experience working in schools, first as a school resource officer (SRO). I spent over two decades supervising SRO officers and have served for over 5 years as the Chief of Police at a college with over 10,000 students.
I take my role as an expert witness in police conduct litigation very seriously. 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 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. My career and experience have provided me with extensive knowledge of all operations within a police department.
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 refer to the attached curriculum vitae for further details.
Thank you,
Scott J. Hilden