Dr. D. J. Van Meter has been the principal of D. J. Van Meter and Associates, Incorporated in Columbus, Ohio since 1982. He applies principles from Behavioral Science, Labor-Management, and Human Performance Technology to enhance performance efficiency within public safety forces agencies across all contingent states.
Dr. Van Meter served with the Ohio State Highway Patrol for fifteen years, during which he held the ranks of Trooper, Sergeant, and Lieutenant, and made significant contributions to the Patrol’s Training Academy Staff.
His commitment to the professional development of law enforcement agencies led him to be selected for, attend, and graduate from the Northwestern University Traffic Institute’s nine-month program in Evanston, Illinois.
Dr. Van Meter’s academic accomplishments include an Associate Degree in Police Science from Lorain County Community College, a Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Science, a Master’s in Labor and Human Resources (during which he received the distinguished Pace Setter Award from the Business College), and a Doctorate of Philosophy, all from The Ohio State University.
Dr. Van Meter authored the book “Evaluating Police Dysfunctional Performance: A Zero-Based Approach”, published by Charles Thomas Publishing in 2001.
Most recently, he completed researched and developed a new police management model, “Police Sworn to Honor (S2H): The Second Generation of Police Management” (www.policesworntohonor.com). S2H educates and prepares current and future leader by providing them with a framework for ethical leadership in law enforcement. S2H emphasizes and rewards self-discipline, personal behavior accountability, sanctions dysfunctional behavior, and fosters trust between police and communities.
During his career, Dr. Van Meter has conducted more than a decade of ‘split-second’ police use of deadly force training attended by hundreds of officers, nationwide. As a performance theorist, he continues his research in this area and has qualified as an expert on the topic in courts and labor tribunals.
Associate/John Hall’s experience in law enforcement has been filled with professionalism and strong leadership skills. He has managed Patrol Operations and was adept at bringing critical incidents to a successful resolution. John has served as a Certified Police Instructor assigned to a police academy for recruitment training in Arrest, Search and Seizure. John has been recognized throughout his career for initiating, building, and supporting departmental initiatives including the creation of a Special Operations Unit & Physical Fitness Evaluations. He received the honor of being “Officer of the Year in 2007.” John was part of the US Customs task force responsible for the investigation of importation of narcotics in the US. He also investigated the influence of organized crime in NY and NJ as it relates to criminal offenses, corruption, and unfair labor practices. John also has a B.A. in Criminal Justice from Kean College, New Jersey.
John Popielarczyk Ret. Chief /Associate has spent twenty-six years working in law enforcement. He has served in numerous capacities ranging from Field Training Officer to the Administrative Captain and retired as Chief of the department. While serving as the Administrative Captain, he developed, implemented, and evaluated policies and procedures relating to employee performance and discipline, and has worked extensively with Van Meter & Associates during that process. He has handled numerous internal investigations involving cases of employee discipline and termination, use of Last Chance Agreements, Performance Improvement Plans and in preparing cases for the discipline process, including arbitration.