Mr. Scott J Hilden
South Lyon, MI 48178
Office: 248-880-3521
With over 32 years of dedicated service in law enforcement, I have built a career focused on leadership, operational excellence, and the safety of the communities I serve. As the Chief of Police and Director of Public Safety for a community of 33,000 residents, I oversee all police and fire department operations. My primary goal is to uphold the highest standards in both departments while continually implementing best practices to ensure effective public safety.
My background includes a deep expertise in defensive tactics, the use of force, police procedures, and comprehensive training programs. I’ve gained substantial experience in policy development, internal investigations, and risk management. Throughout my career, I have guided departments to achieve and maintain accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) and other respected bodies, ensuring strict adherence to national standards. Additionally, my work has extended to emergency vehicle operations, school safety, premises liability, and effective supervision and management of personnel.
I take my role as an expert witness in police conduct litigation with the utmost seriousness. I maintain a strictly neutral and objective perspective in my consulting work, ensuring that my assessments and recommendations are always grounded in facts, evidence, and established best practices. I aim to consistently support fair and just outcomes, regardless of the parties involved.
I believe firmly in fostering a culture of accountability, integrity, and professionalism within law enforcement. Whether focusing on training officers or overseeing department-wide initiatives, I aim to optimize efficiency, promote safety, and build lasting trust with the community. Through my leadership in school safety and community relations, I’ve worked to create secure environments for students and residents alike.
As a recognized leader in the field, I approach every challenge strategically, offering informed and authoritative guidance to enhance the effectiveness and credibility of police operations.
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
USE OF FORCE | CIVIL LIABILITY | BEST PRACTICE STANDARDS | POLICY/PROCEDURES | SCHOOL POLICING | PREMISE LIABILITY | POLICE OPERATIONS | RISK MANAGMENT | EMERGENCY VEHICLE OPERATIONS | POLICE TRAINING | SUPERVISION & MANAGEMENT |
WORK EXPERIENCE
Director of Public Safety/Chief of Police -
Northville, Township, Michigan
2021- current
● Chief of Police for a community of 33,000 residents.
● Lead an agency accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA), Michigan Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission
(MLEAC), and (CALEA-accredited communications center.
● Responsibilities include all aspects of police and fire department operations.
Criminal Justice Consultant
Police Chiefs Risk Management Group, LLC
Ann Arbor, Michigan
2022- current
Please see the attached curriculum vitae for more details.
Thank you,
Scott J. Hilden
- Crime Foreseeability
- Criminal Law
- Deadly/Excessive Force
- Emergency Communications & 911
- Evidence Analysis & Preservation
- Law Enforcement
- Police Procedures
- Police Traffic Radar
- Premises Liability
- School Security
- Q: Please list your professional accreditations, degrees, licenses, and certificates granted:
- A: Certified Law Enforcement Officer in the state of Michigan. Masters Degree Liberal Studies, Bachelors degree in Criminal Justice. I am an active Director of Public Safety/Chief of Police, current on policing issues and trends. My associations, contacts, and day-to-day work ensure that as the field of law enforcement changes, technology improves, and societal expectations shift, I remain current on all issues.
- Q: Please list your affiliations or memberships in any professional and/or industry organizations:
- A: International Association of Chiefs of Police
Police Executive Research Forum
Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police
Wayne County Association of Chiefs of Police
Southeastern Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police
Western Wayne County Association of Chiefs of Police - Q: Please list any teaching or speaking experience you have had, including subject matter:
- A: Extensive experience in police training and instructing. I was a defensive tactics/use of force instructor and an emergency vehicle operations/pursuit driving instructor for over 12 years. I have taught hundreds of officers in these areas. I have taught at the police academy, schools, churches, businesses, and more. I am a crime prevention practitioner and an expert in nearly all areas of law enforcement operations, training, policy, and procedures.
- Q: Have any of your accreditations ever been investigated, suspended or removed? (if yes, explain)
- A: none
- Q: On how many occasions have you been retained as an expert?
- A: I have been retained as an expert 11 times in the last 18 months. I have 32 years of law enforcement experience, the last 22 of which have been in supervision and management. I have been immersed in police operations and practices in 3 different agencies, and as a result, I have unparalleled knowledge of police practices.
- Q: For what area(s) of expertise have you been retained as an expert?
- A: Use of force
Police emergency vehicle operation
Policing in schools
Training/Policy/Procedures - Q: In what percentage of your cases were you retained by the plaintiff?
- A: 70%
- Q: In what percentage of your cases were you retained by the defendant?
- A: 30%
- Q: On how many occasions have you had your deposition taken?
- A: Three
- Q: When was the last time you had your deposition taken?
- A: December 2024, Police Officer use of force case.
- Q: On how many occasions have you been qualified by a court to give expert testimony?
- A: None, however, I am a 32-year career law enforcement officer, the last 22 years as a supervisor, and the last 10 in the position of deputy chief, chief of police, and now Director of Public Safety. My qualifications are substantial.
- Q: On how many occasions have you testified as an expert in court or before an arbitrator?
- A: I have testified before an arbitrator one time. I have testified in my career a number of times in criminal and traffic cases.
- Q: For how many years have you worked with the legal industry as an expert?
- A: Two years
- Q: What services do you offer? (E.g.: consulting, testing, reports, site inspections etc.)
- A: Law enforcement consulting and expert witness services.
- Q: What is your hourly rate to consult with an attorney?
- A: There is no cost for a consultation.
- Q: What is your hourly rate to review documents?
- A: $300.00
- Q: What is your hourly rate to provide deposition testimony?
- A: $400.00
- Q: What is your hourly rate to provide testimony at trial?
- A: $3500.00 per day
- Q: Please list any fees other than those stated above (E.g.: travel expenses, copy fees, etc.)
- A: Trial preparation and travel are billed at 300.00 per hour plus expenses.
Available Upon Request