The CopDoc Podcast Season 5 - Episode 108
Ever wondered how the principles of a 70s Dutch football team could be applied to policing? Simon Byrne, former Merseyside Police Assistant Chief Constable and current Chief Constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland takes us through his unique strategy. Starting his career in London, Simon's policing methods soon became heavily influenced by the concepts of Larry Sherman and Jack Maple, leading to a significant reduction in crime rates. 

As he progressed to the role of Assistant Chief Constable, Simon took inspiration from the football field, applying tactics akin to the Dutch football team of the 1970s to implement a 'total war on crime.' Simon's 'Big Wing' theory, a twice-monthly mobilization of police focused on specific areas of crime, was instrumental in reducing crime rates by an impressive five percent. His journey led him to Northern Ireland where, instead of focusing solely on counter-terrorism efforts, Simon decided to invest in improving everyday policing efficiency. 

With a fresh approach towards police visibility and access, Simon shares his counter-cultural decision to go against the grain. As he embarked on his mission to modernize the organization by investing in technology, he also realized the importance of consensus-building and local policing. In his quest to create a learning organization, Simon Byrne has shed light on the significance of After Action Reviews and how he uses principles of big business to stay ahead in the policing game. This insightful episode, packed with Chief Byrne's lessons from his career, is an invaluable source for anyone interested in modern-day policing.

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