Issue link: https://let.epubxp.com/i/342119
41 www.officer.com July 2014 Law Enforcement Technology LEADERSHIP think. As a chief or sheriff you are paid good money, and wearing the uniform is not asking too much so citizens can recognize you. Personally, I have always been a uniform-wearing chief, the same one as my officers, in fact (no white shirt!). This exhibits that you are a member of the department, not just a stuffed shirt or salesman. Knowledge is power. Do your home- work and perform diligent research on the issues, the area or zone where the meeting is located. Know the history of the neighborhood. If this area has a tawdry past with criminality or has been overlooked by the local government (no road repairs), there will be identity issues. The pride of citizens and businesses in their neighborhood will be apparent if you do not recognize it. Additionally, perform research and have the data avail- able with you or staff accompanying you. Recent criminality is not all Part 1 crimes. It could be one dysfunctional teenager creating quality of life complaints. Know your strong points and weak points. Make sure you know and have a remedy for your failings or weak points. Do not soft shoe your way around them if everyone believes your department has a failing. Listen, and then respond logically to address the issue and turn it into a strength. When you go on about how wonderful your agency is and extol its good points (which they may know or don't care about), this does nothing to address a failing. Instead this group wants to be assured that if there is a perceived fault, you see it and have addressed it. Beat officer(s), have them there. These are the officers that the neighbor- hood knows, interacts with and probably trusts more than you. Praise your staff for their knowledge, skills and abilities. If there is a problem with beat or zone officers, they know who to complain to. Explain the process, but remind all they can compliment an officer, too, and then explain how you handle compliments and how much they mean to the officer. Have other bureaus or division representatives present. It takes more than crime to create a neighborhood's decline. I have attended several meet- ings where the police went unscathed, but the Public Works Bureau was cruci- fied over snow removal or potholes. Potholes are often street maintenance's number one failing. If the other bureaus do not attend, have their names and numbers available. Additionally, per- form a proper referral for the person with a complaint. Tell them you are going to contact this person/desk the next day, and if it is not addressed by a call or visit and rectified, you will contact them again. Here you are their advocate (another win for the police). The elected official who represents that district should be notified and invit- ed. I don't care what the title supervisor, alder person, council person or whatever; be sure they know about this. Key to political-police survival is for nobody to get blind-side. If the elected official has knowledge of an issue it is never the full story. Share information and strategies to address them. Location. Most of these meetings are held in local churches, schools, libraries and other public venues. Do a quick visit to know the lay of the land, since you are on the visiting team. It is important to know the location of creature comforts (restrooms), fire exits, lighting and ADA 800.753.9733 www.brennekeusa.com info@brennekeusa.com THE SCARIEST LINEUP YOU'LL EVER SEE. Tactical Home Defense™ 12 ga & 20 ga: Maximum energy transfer on contact without exces- sive penetration that can injure bystanders. Devas- tating on soft targets. Special Forces Short Magnum™ 12 ga Over 30% greater penetra- tion than competitive slugs. Easily penetrates steel, glass, walls, and doors. Special Forces Maximum Barrier Penetration Magnum™ 12 ga The ultimate urban slug. Extra-hard alloy penetrates windshields, wheel rims, tires and even engine blocks. TKO™ (Tin Knockout) 12 ga Lead-Free The world's frst lead-free sabot with power approach- ing lead. Food-safe tin that generates over 2000 fps and 2607 ft-lbs of energy. Brenneke® makes a shotgun slug perfect for any situation you'll ever encounter—from crowded city streets to vehicle-borne terrorist threats. They will put an end to any fght—right here, right now. 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Circle 68 on Reader Service Card I don't care how well you can delegate others, sooner or later you have to attend [the community meeting]. There is a tactical science in preparing for and surviving these things. LET_40-42_CommunityMeetings0714.indd 41 6/25/14 12:03 PM