What Should We Expect From Our Police Leaders?
by improving police
The qualities we expect our police officers to hold and
practice should also pertain to those whose job is to lead them.
But with those who stand to be leaders, more is expected:
Passionate. Leaders must be passionate about that which
they profess and be committed to what they are trying to accomplish. Their
passion should come from their vision of a fair and effective police in
American society and the role of police in making America work for everyone.
Leader. A leader’s style of leading others must be
committed to the growth and development of those whom they lead. Therefore, the
style and manner of their leadership is critical. To permit a leader to use
coercive practices and instill an atmosphere of fear among those whom they lead
is unacceptable. Such negative behaviors shut down the open and collaborative
relationships that are necessary for an organization seeking continuous
improvement of its operations and practices.
Trainer. Even if leaders are committed to an open,
participative leadership style, they must also be committed to facilitating and
providing high-quality training for their officers and employees through their
careers. Effective training is what develops and maintains the skills and
personal control expected of professional police officers.
Experimenter. Police leaders in a democratic society must
be willing to experiment with new ideas and concepts. They must develop an
organizational culture that encourages innovative thinking and challenges
current practices. Those who serve as leaders of police must be aware of
international social and cultural trends and understand and support the diverse
thinking, respect, and tolerance for others that holds together a free society.
In today’s world, any organization which chooses to remain in place soon falls
behind.
Evaluator. Police leaders must be willing to periodically
engage in self- evaluation and open themselves to feedback from employees,
community members, and especially those who use police services – their
“customers.” Leaders must be able to fairly analyze the results of outside evaluation
and be open to new ideas and practices that honest feedback and evaluation
suggest.
Persistent. Police leaders must persist in their efforts
to improve our nation's police. Community members whose police department is in
need of improvement must be assured that leaders will press on. In order to
transform a police department, a leader must be willing to commit to seven to
ten years of continuous effort. Anything less is a foolhardy expectation.
