Between 2010 and 2025, U.S. policing underwent one of the most transformative—and one of the most turbulent—periods in modern history. Two moments stand out as bookends to this era of change: the 2014 death of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, and the 2020 death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Both events ignited widespread protests, fueled global debate about the nature of policing, and prompted far-reaching calls for reform. These events were flashpoints that reshaped public expectations of the police, intensified demands for transparency and accountability, and redefined the challenges facing police leaders.

In order to access the rest of the article sign in with your IACP or Subscriber credentials.