The lesson came early in life. Director of Public Safety/Chief of Police Scott Hilden never underestimates the power of a great neighbor.

When Hilden was about 10 years old, one of his neighbors became a police officer who watched over him and his bicycle-pedaling friends. This uniform-clad hero inspired him to pursue law enforcement.

Now as Northville Township’s top officer, Hilden encourages residents to work with their neighbors to make their community safer. The community policing philosophy has been a constant in his 30-year career.

Hilden joined the Northville Township Police Department in December 2021. He hailed from Washtenaw Community College, where he was Chief of Public Safety and its Emergency Manager for five years, overseeing the entire campus community. 

Prior to that, Hilden spent 24 years with Canton Township Public Safety, most recently as Deputy Chief of Police from 2013-2016. In this capacity, he supervised the patrol division, overseeing a team of 82.

He also was president of the Canton Command Officers Association from 2006-2013, assisting with union issues, including contract negotiations.

Hilden specializes in collaborating with the community. At both Northville Township and Canton, he created a “Partners in Your Safety” program that establishes a bridge between the Department and citizens, businesses, neighborhoods, churches and schools.

Like his mentor from his youth, he’s always looking out for others. When he was a sergeant from 2003-2006, he brought the “A Child is Missing” program to his department to locate missing children and vulnerable adults which used a high-tech telephone broadcasting system to call 1,000 residents per minute. He also created the “We Nail Thieves” program to reduce construction site theft. This program was a collaboration between Northville Township, Plymouth Township, Canton Township and Crime Stoppers.

His work history includes stints as a school resource officer, in crime analysis, community relations, special event planning and management, the records bureau and in-service training. Bringing people together is his specialty.

Hilden has a bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University, where he majored in criminal justice, and a master’s degree in liberal studies with an emphasis on police supervision and management from Eastern Michigan University. He also attended Eastern’s School of Police Staff and Command.