Lt. Rodger Ollis – At the Heart of Policing: Care and Community

SUMMARY:

In this episode, Lieutenant Rodger H. Ollis, Jr. reflects on his journey into law enforcement and the values that shaped his approach to community policing. From his construction roots to his leadership in the City of Coatesville Police Department, Lt. Ollis shares how his parents’ lessons in hard work and relationship-building influenced his philosophy on policing.

Lt. Ollis discusses innovative programs he championed, like juvenile ticketing for positive behavior, highlighting the difference between law enforcement and true community policing. He shares a transformative story about an encounter with a child that redefined his approach to serving the community and emphasizes the importance of trauma-informed training for officers.

Full video episodes are available on YouTube

GUEST BIO:

Lieutenant Rodger H. Ollis, Jr. is a dedicated law enforcement professional with over fifteen years of service in the City of Coatesville Police Department. A graduate of West Chester University with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in criminal justice, Rodger also completed training at the Pennsylvania Municipal Police Academy. His career reflects a deep commitment to fostering relationships, improving public safety, and enhancing the quality of life in his community.

Rodger has been instrumental in developing Coatesville’s community policing program, which focuses on proactive crime prevention, education, and outreach. He has also collaborated with local businesses, organizations, and residents to build meaningful partnerships that strengthen the community-police relationship.

In addition to his policing work, Rodger is actively involved in community service. He serves on the boards of the Newlin Foundation and the Chester County Partnership to End Homelessness and provides training for the Lethality Assessment Program (LAP), an evidence-based approach to addressing domestic violence. His contributions extend to local coalitions and task forces aimed at reducing crime, promoting safety, and supporting community revitalization efforts.

Rodger lives in Coatesville with his wife, Michele, and their four children. His family is his greatest source of pride and a constant reminder of the importance of building a strong and connected community.

Connect with Rodger on LinkedIn

HOST BIO:

Julie Knudsen, LCSW, is an experienced clinical and development professional dedicated to enhancing mental health and family well-being. Currently, she serves as the Director of Development at The Lincoln Center for Family and Youth. As a licensed clinical social worker with extensive experience in therapeutic services and nonprofit leadership, Julie’s work has consistently focused on empowering individuals and families across a variety of behavioral health settings.

Connect with Julie on LinkedIn