Inside Our Impact – May
The National Policing Institute team proudly presents Inside Our Impact, a newsletter dedicated to sharing NPI’s stories and those who make our work possible. Each issue highlights some of NPI’s research or projects and shares insights into how our dedication to excellence benefits you and your community.
With Gratitude, NPI Honors Those Who Make Our Work PossibleÂ
NPI and the Fairfax County Police Department hosted a powerful day of appreciation, discovery, and heartfelt recognition.Â
Attendees of NPI’s donor and supporter appreciation event in May 2025.
|
This event concluded with a celebratory appreciation dinner sponsored by Dominion Energy. Guests shared stories, laughter, and purpose with NPI board members, staff, and leaders from FCPD. In a highlight of the evening, Dominion Energy’s Adam Lee shared how innovation and partnership are increasing public safety in transformative ways. We were especially proud to honor our NPI board members, who exemplify their commitment not only through giving their time and talent, but also by contributing generously to ensure NPI thrives. Our board is committed to 100% board giving, demonstrating their belief in safe, professional, effective policing for everyone, every time.Â
|
  
  
 
| Read the full story here.
|
Honoring America’s Peace Officers
Peace Officers Memorial Day is held every May 15th, marking a tradition of honoring law enforcement officers’ bravery and sacrifice. Annually, during the week of May 15th, law enforcement officers, families, survivors, and supporters from around the country come to Washington, DC, for National Police Week to memorialize and pay tribute to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
In 2024, 147 police officers died in the line of duty, their families left to experience the unthinkable tragedy of a loved one taken too soon.
In observance of this month, we wanted to share a story from one of NPI’s team members. Mike Hatch, a former lieutenant, served as a Family Liaison Officer (FLO) after one of his friends and colleagues was killed in the line of duty. A FLO helps to support the family in the unimaginable days and events following a line-of-duty death.
Mike tells his story from the beginning, starting with the devastating call he received in March of 2014—his friend and colleague, Officer David Wayne Smith, had been shot and killed while on duty in the community he loved and served for 18 years.
Mike responded to the scene and quickly took on the role of a FLO. He supported Officer Smith’s wife and young son in what was the darkest moment in their lives.
What began as a duty became something lasting—because when done right, “liaison” and “officer” fade, and what remains is simply family.
Lieutenant Mike Hatch with Officer Smith’s son, 2014
Read the rest of Mike’s story.
Meet NPI Senior Program Manager II, Mike Hatch, MPA
Mike Hatch joined NPI in August of 2023. “Retiring from public service is not simply stepping away—it’s a lifelong commitment that doesn’t fade,” Mike noted. Many of his colleagues have retired only to return to roles that continue their dedication to service.
At the National Policing Institute, Mike conducts site visits or virtual meetings and builds trust with police leaders and officers to help them address challenges through science and innovation—the core of NPI’s mission.
“Working alongside brilliant scientists and supporting training allows me to uphold a service-oriented mindset, connect with inspiring individuals, and learn from today’s leaders while empowering those of tomorrow,” Mike commented.
Mike believes that NPI’s unique position as a nonprofit, nonpartisan, and non-membership organization sets us apart. Ensuring safe, professional, and effective policing for all drives NPI’s work and reinforces the importance of continued progress to support police agencies and communities nationwide.
Lieutenant Mike Hatch, 2014
If you liked this issue, and want more, subscribe to Inside Our Impact here. To learn more about how to support our work, policinginstitute.org/support-our-work.