Daniel McDonald | SpeakerHub

Personal Details

Bio

Daniel McDonald, MPA, is a 29-year veteran of law enforcement who has revolutionized approaches to addressing homelessness through innovative, compassionate strategies.

As the founder of the Tampa Police Department Homeless Initiative, he has helped hundreds of individuals transition from the streets to stable housing, contributing to a 48% reduction in street homelessness in just three years.

His unorthodox problem-solving methods—ranging from reconnecting clients with lost assets to orchestrating a $20,000 wedding for a homeless couple—demonstrate the power of creativity and collaboration in tackling systemic issues.

He also founded the TPD Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) in 2015 to better resolve calls for service involving those in mental health crisis.

Daniel’s groundbreaking work has received global recognition, with features on The Today Show, Inside Edition, People Magazine (featured twice) and BBC Radio, as well as accolades such as the Tampa Police Department Officer of the Month and the Housing & Education Alliance Community Hero Award.

A sought-after speaker, he has delivered keynotes for major organizations, including the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) and the National Sheriffs’ Association.

Now retired from public service, Daniel consults with communities and law enforcement agencies to develop effective, humane responses to homelessness. His inspiring story and proven framework challenge traditional approaches, offering hope and solutions to one of society's most persistent challenges.

Current position (1)

Police Officer (Ret.)

Tampa Police Department

Degrees (2)

Geography

Boston University

1984 to 1989

Public Administration

University of South Florida

2005 to 2010

Presentations

Presentations (4)

Breaking Out: Leadership Lessons from The Shawshank Redemption

The Shawshank Redemption is the greatest movie ever made. It is much more than just a powerful story of hope and perseverance—it’s a masterclass in leadership.

This inspirational session pulls from my 29-year career in corrections & law enforcement. We will explore how these characters and their choices reflect real-world leadership principles that can guide us in our own lives. Because, as Andy reminds us, “Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things”—and great leaders inspire hope in those around them.

Policing for Change: The Art of Contrarian Leadership

In today's rapidly evolving law enforcement landscape, traditional leadership isn't enough. "Policing for Change: The Art of Contrarian Leadership" explores how bold, principled, and unconventional leadership can drive meaningful progress within police departments. This talk challenges officers, supervisors, and command staff to rethink leadership norms, question outdated practices, and lead with courage when it's least convenient.

The 30-Day Challenge: Transforming Homelessness Through Compassionate Policing

Homelessness is one of the most complex challenges facing communities today, and traditional law enforcement approaches often fall short of meaningful solutions. In this transformative talk, Daniel McDonald shares his groundbreaking 30-Day Challenge to End Homelessness, a proven framework for law enforcement and public organizations to address homelessness with compassion, creativity, and collaboration. Drawing from real-world success stories, Daniel demonstrates how small, consistent actions can lead to big changes, benefiting individuals, communities, and public systems.

By reducing the reliance on emergency responses, lowering arrest rates, and improving access to resources, his approach not only transforms lives but also saves communities money and alleviates the strain on public services such as jails, hospitals, and shelters. His talk is a call to rethink the role of law enforcement, shift from crisis response to problem-solving, and replace handcuffs with hope.

“The Sheriff's Guide to Navigating the Politics of Homeless, Addictions & Mental Illness”

Communities around the nation are rapidly becoming a dystopian landscape of homelessness, addictions and mental illness. Effective solutions are underfunded and difficult to navigate, leaving sheriffs as the default response to an ever-increasing variety of quality of life, public health and social issues.

Sheriff’s offices in every community are stuck in the middle and can no longer “stay in their lane”. Traditional responses to these issues are no longer effective or even legal, forcing sheriffs to re-think their strategies.

The politics of every community vary widely, and sheriffs must navigate their local political landscape. Homelessness and related issues have become the number one issue in countless elections nationwide, and you will soon be asked where you stand on the issues (do you have an answer?)

Past talks (3)

The Top-10 Reasons to Start a Police Homeless Outreach Team (and How)

International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Annual Conference

Orlando, FL

October 6, 2018

The Sheriffs Guide to Navigating the Politics of Homelessness, Addictions & Mental Illness

National Sheriffs' Association Winter Conference

Washington, DC

February 3, 2024

Ending the Criminalisation of Homelessness

Housing and Idea Exchange

Manchester, UK