American Police Beat Magazine

Law Enforcement Publication

Dave Goitia

Dave Goitia

Dave Goitia

Dave Goitia serves as second vice president for the Arizona Fraternal Order of Police and president of Glendale FOP Lodge #12. He is a 23-year veteran of the Glendale Police Department, where he has spent the majority of his career doing undercover work and investigating auto theft. He teaches auto theft investigations at the local police academy, and he also teaches investigations lessons for a criminal justice class at a local high school. He has survived multiple critical incidents and was a 2006–2007 National Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor recipient, recognized by President George W. Bush at the White House. Dave maintains his status as an active sworn police officer.

Building positive media relations

Building positive media relations

One breakfast burrito at a time

Her camera guy was hunched over, fidgeting away at his settings, when I walked over and offered them breakfast burritos. My offer stopped him moving, like a spotlight on a […] Read More

The righteous battle

The righteous battle

Managing morale after high-profile incidents

“Dave, I haven’t slept for two nights. If some asshole jumps in a lake to get away from me, am I supposed to jump in after him? Are they gonna […] Read More

“Can we still be friends?”

“Can we still be friends?”

Building positive law enforcement labor–management relationships

Dave, when you become president of the FOP can we still be friends?” This question, from an assistant chief in October 2021, stopped me dead in my tracks. I was […] Read More

Dealing with disgruntled cops

Dealing with disgruntled cops

The importance of building a bank of trust

What is it about this job? Is it the blood we cops see? The emotional effects of disturbing scenes wherein human bodies have been contorted, punctured or worse? Is it […] Read More

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