A Profile In Courage: Daniel Carr

Welcome to a new series where we profile courageous leaders across the country. This series is hosted by Dr. Travis Yates, author of The Courageous Police Leader.

Today, we discuss Albuquerque Police Officer (ret) Daniel Carr.  With two decades of law enforcement experience, Daniel did something while on the job that should be impossible. He obtained a master’s degree in criminal justice, and a law degree, while working full time. Daniel now brings his knowledge and expertise to the masses through his wildly popular Police Law Newsletter. The foundational trait with courageous leadership is telling the truth regardless of the popularity of that truth. Daniel is an icon in this area.

After retiring from the Albuquerque Police Department in 2024, Carr has embraced the freedom to express his thoughts on policing without the constraints that often come with active service. He notes that the transition to retirement has allowed him to focus more on his content creation, particularly through his platforms like TikTok and the Police Law Newsletter on Substack. This newfound freedom has enabled him to engage more deeply with the public on issues he believes are crucial for improving law enforcement practices.

One of the core tenets of Carr’s approach is the need for honest conversations about policing. He emphasizes that to improve law enforcement, it is essential to identify and discuss errors made by police officers, whether they stem from individual actions, departmental policies, or training gaps. Carr argues that without a candid examination of these issues, meaningful progress in policing will remain elusive. His commitment to neutrality allows him to critique both police actions and the narratives surrounding them, creating a balanced dialogue that is often lacking in the media.

In the current media landscape, narratives can be shaped quickly and often inaccurately. Carr points out that police leaders frequently fail to counter false narratives, which can lead to public mistrust and unrest. He believes that police leaders should take a proactive stance in sharing accurate information, especially when high-profile incidents occur. For example, Carr highlights the need for police departments to present data transparently, allowing the public to engage with the facts rather than relying solely on sensationalized media portrayals.

Throughout the conversation, Carr raises significant points regarding systematic issues within policing, especially in the context of police reform. He argues that while reforms are often proposed with the intent of reducing police violence, many fail to address the root causes of such incidents. Carr asserts that no amount of policy change will eliminate the need for officers to respond to violent situations where their lives are at risk. Thus, understanding the context of police interactions with the community is vital for assessing the effectiveness of reforms.

Carr points to the statistics surrounding police shootings and crime rates, noting that despite years of reform efforts, the data remains relatively unchanged. He suggests that the narrative of systemic racism within policing has not shifted the reality of police interactions with the community. Instead, he emphasizes the importance of looking at crime data alongside police use of force statistics to paint a more accurate picture of the situation. Carr argues that without addressing the underlying causes of crime, reforms may not achieve the intended outcomes.

Accountability is a central theme in Carr’s discussion of policing. He stresses the need for police departments to investigate use-of-force incidents thoroughly and transparently. Carr’s experience in internal affairs has shown him the importance of robust investigative processes to uphold accountability. He believes that when officers know they will be held accountable for their actions, it fosters a culture of responsibility within the department.

Consent decrees, often imposed by the Department of Justice, are a controversial aspect of police reform. Carr reflects on his experiences with the Albuquerque Police Department during its consent decree, questioning whether the intended reforms have truly resulted in meaningful improvements. He highlights not only the lack of significant changes in crime rates and officer-involved shootings during the decree period,  but the data got worse in those areas.

As Daniel continues to engage with the public through his content, he remains optimistic about the potential for positive change in policing. He believes that fostering honest discussions about the realities of law enforcement, coupled with transparent data, can help bridge the gap between police and the communities they serve. Carr advocates for a balanced approach that recognizes the complexities of policing while striving for accountability and improvement.

Daniel Carr’s insights into policing, accountability, and reform provide a valuable perspective in today’s discourse surrounding law enforcement. By advocating for honest conversations, transparency, and accountability, Carr aims to contribute to a more nuanced understanding of policing in America. As we move forward, it is imperative to engage in these discussions, seeking to improve the relationship between law enforcement and the communities they serve.