Jeff Coe retired as an Assistant Chief with the Maryland-National Capital Park Police in Montgomery County, Maryland, following a distinguished 25-year career in law enforcement. During his tenure, he served in diverse roles, including patrol officer, community services officer, mounted officer (on both horses and motorcycles), and adjunct instructor at the police academy. A 2018 graduate of the Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command, Assistant Chief Coe received the prestigious Franklin M. Kreml Leadership Award for his exemplary leadership.
Assistant Chief Coe also studied at Thomas Edison State College and Frederick Community College’s Police Science Program, building a strong foundation in law enforcement and public service. As an instructor for Insight Policing, he draws on his extensive field experience and leadership background to connect with officers, offering practical insights and relatable experiences.
With a career spanning numerous roles, Assistant Chief Coe brings a well-rounded perspective to his training, helping officers navigate the complexities of conflict. His teaching emphasizes finding the “why” behind conflicts, empowering officers to approach challenging situations with curiosity and skill. Passionate about fostering leadership and problem-solving, Assistant Chief Coe is committed to equipping officers with the tools they need to create meaningful change in their communities.
Learn more about Asst. Chief Coe in the full Q&A below.
How did you hear about and get started with CAICR and Insight Policing?
In 2020, during the COVID pandemic, a friend of mine, Jim Lawrence, who was one of the first instructors to work with Dr. Price, kept telling me about Insight Policing. He invited me to a couple of webinars they hosted, and I attended a few here and there. Jim played a key role in introducing me to the approach. At the time, I was still a police officer and didn’t have the time to fully engage or teach, especially with most sessions being virtual due to COVID. After I retired, Mike Delaney reached out to me, reigniting my interest in the program. That’s how I ultimately got involved with Insight Policing.
What interested you about this work?
What intrigued me most was the process of breaking things down to get to the "why." Why is this person behaving the way they are? It’s about observing their actions and recognizing the signs—the closed door, the defensive posture—and figuring out how to navigate those barriers. By understanding the root cause of their behavior, you can address the underlying threat and work toward resolving the defense.
What is your favorite part of your role here?
Having been in training environments and accustomed to role-playing, my favorite part of the program is when we get to the role-playing exercises at the end. We act out scenarios for the students, and then they role-play themselves. It's during this part that you really start to see the impact. When you hit on someone's underlying threat, you can often notice it in their reaction—maybe a shift in their facial expression, their eyes widening, or a pause as they realize the gravity of what they've said. Repeating it back to them is a powerful moment. For me, this is the most rewarding part because it brings everything together and shows how effective the training really is.
What experience prepared you for this role?
My years of experience both as a police officer and as a trainer have been invaluable. Working in various parts of the county and with different agencies has given me a broad perspective. But more importantly, the experience of being on the job and dealing with people in crisis has been a huge advantage in understanding how to approach these situations effectively.
What do you think is the most effective part of what you do?
In addition to role-playing, it's crucial to help people recognize when the "door is closed"—when conflict behavior arises. The goal is to get them to identify these behaviors, both in themselves and in others.
What impact are you hoping to have being part of Insight Policing?
I often think about this and discuss it with both retired and current police officers. My hope is that this training reaches a wider audience—not just the agencies already focused on conflict resolution and de-escalation. Many agencies across the country are not keeping up with these critical topics. I truly hope this training becomes more widespread, providing everyone with a solid foundation for how they interact with the public.
What is a common theme you notice when teaching classes?
Everyone faces conflict, whether in their personal or professional life. The skills learned here are not just for work—they can be applied to all areas of life.
Do you have any interactions or outcomes that stand out to you from training?
Interacting with the students during training is always insightful. Many share stories about times when they could have benefited from this training—like conflicts with customers or colleagues. They often realize how they unintentionally escalated situations because they took offense or reacted impulsively. Hearing these reflections highlights just how valuable this training can be in real-life scenarios.