Chief Shaeffer -
A Global Perspective
by Bernie Fratto
July 2003

Growing up in a military family, Novi Police Chief Doug Shaeffer lived all over the world. And after completing his Air Force duty in 1969, he joined the Police Force in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and began what has been a very distinguished career.

“I’ve always been inclined and attracted to situations that enable me to help others,” Shaeffer stated. “And not only did I believe that police work was a noble and challenging opportunity, but I also knew it would be exciting and rewarding.” “And, it’s definitely never boring.”

After 23 notable years in Oklahoma City, Chief Shaeffer learned that the City of Novi, Michigan, was advertising in a National Trade Publication for a Police Chief.

In early 1991 Doug Shaeffer applied for the position, along with 125 other competitors, and soon he was climbing the charts and advancing as one of the top candidates for consideration. Shortly thereafter, he took a trip to Novi to visit the City and surrounding areas. During this period he spent time with future bosses Craig Klaver and then City Manager Ed Kriewall.

After successfully competing and prevailing in the Assessment Center portion of the recruitment process, Doug Shaeffer was offered the position of Police Chief and has proudly held that distinction in Novi for almost 12 years. “My first weekend in town was during the ‘Fifties Festival’ he recalled. “I considered it my welcome party.” “Now each year I consider it my anniversary party!”

After arriving in Novi, Chief Shaeffer knew very quickly he’d made the right choice. “I was very impressed from the outside looking in, and when I first got here, I realized that things looked great on the inside as well.” “This department clearly exuded tremendous values, ones that had been ingrained by Chief Begole and Chief Faulkner, and there was no question the standards were exceptionally professional on every level.”

Even in 1991, Novi was a city on the move and growing rapidly. Much retail had been developed, and soon to follow would be newer eating establishments, and residential escalation. “The thing that impressed me,” Chief Shaeffer reminded, “was that the growth was high-quality growth.”

To keep pace with the City’s fast-paced forward progress, Doug Shaeffer made it clear that his department would maintain the highest standards as well. True to form he has presided over, and built a team of dedicated professionals. His cadre of 64 uniformed officers are experienced, educated (all have at least Bachelors Degrees) and turnover is very low.

“We place a high premium on selective recruitment, and personnel development,” Shaeffer reminded. “The fact that our turnover is low makes for a high-quality component.” Chief Shaeffer was also quick to point out that his team truly had a comprehensive understanding of Novi; the city and its people.

But Chief Shaeffer was also emphatic when he stated, “It’s very refreshing to work in a community that wants to be involved, engaged, and wants to participate.”

Hence the Mission Statement: “Partners with our community.” These are not empty words... Doug Shaeffer speaks with great reverence when alluding to the “customer service” aspect of professional police work. Life is very fragile in the world of police work and Chief Shaeffer has issued a mandatory directive to his entire department: “Customer service means working until the customer is satisfied.”

To this end, the Novi Police Department enjoys excellent mind share and lines of communication with its citizens. “Working together, we don’t just solve crime, we prevent crime,” Shaeffer noted. “ And as we work to educate each other, the entire community can be safer.”

Again, these are not empty words. The relationship with the community is one that offers exceptionally high value. “Talk to us, communicate with us, in person, over the phone, we want to know you,” Shaeffer added. In fact, the website was the first in the nation to provide a vehicle for citizens to report crime on-line. In other words, communicating with the Novi Police Department is a simple as sending an email.

“It’s easy to communicate with us.” And it’s easy to see why the Novi Police Department is a model of professionalism, consistency, excellence, and high-quality value for its citizens.

Look no further than Novi Police Chief Doug Shaeffer. A team always takes on the personality of its Field General. And Chief Shaeffer would be the first to give all the credit to his team.

We salute you, and we thank you.