Importance of Road Policing: Insights from Matt Langer, Global Policing Director

Matt Langer joined the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) as the Director of Global Policing on April 8, 2024. Prior to this role, Matt served for 25 years with the Minnesota State Patrol. He held a variety of roles over his career including road patrol Trooper, crash reconstruction specialist, Lieutenant of fleet and asset management, public information officer, Staff Captain overseeing homeland security and traffic safety grants, Major of metropolitan operations, Lieutenant Colonel/Assistant Chief for three years, and served for 10 years as the Colonel/Chief of the State Patrol.

During his tenure as Chief, he oversaw significant projects such as the deployment of body worn cameras, cultural change related to vehicle pursuit policy and training, alignment of agency activity with data-driven approaches to reduce traffic fatalities while also garnering public and legislative support, and the steady growth of budgets to support the mission of the organization across the State of Minnesota. Leading through the COVID-19 pandemic and the remarkable challenges in the aftermath of George Floyd’s death presented opportunity for organizational learning on many levels.
Matt has been active with the IACP for many years. He served on the Board of Directors, as General Chair of the State and Provincial Policing Division, and as Chair of the Roadway Safety Committee. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice and a Masters Degree in Public and Nonprofit Administration. As a lifelong learner, he has taken part in many executive level training programs. Matt is active in his local church, serves on boards, and is humbled by the many awards he has received for his contributions to policing in Minnesota and the traffic safety mission.