Issue link: https://let.epubxp.com/i/423221
www.officer.com December 2014 Law Enforcement Technology 7 LEADERSHIP By William L. "Bill" Harvey Generational Defense T o all that read this, stop and ask yourself one question: What is accomplished by any profession or vocation when its leaders are running down its future generation? And the answer should be—nothing. Matter of fact, it is detrimental in doing so and yes, this is that important. Nobody has ever defined the standard statement of what constitutes "the real police," nor do they select which generation is re- ally the most adept at becoming such. They don't make them like they used to is repeated daily in the halls of police stations nationwide. Personally, I have observed that when they bleed, their blood is just as red as ours, so where is the real difference between us all? To me, it is how we train the new incoming generation; we can no longer use antiquated training models with today's academy students. There are several excellent trainers out on the training circuit professing to us the difference between the gen- erations and how we should view them. Their training affords us a better methodology to train and relate to this newest group. I highly recommend that not only trainers but command staff make a point to attend one of these sessions. Within my current depart- ment, depending on how you "They don't make them like they used to" is repeated daily in the halls of police stations nationwide. Personally, I have observed that when they bleed, their blood is just as red as ours, so where is the real difference between us all? define a generation, I've observed what could be three distinct groups. Wait—I am the oldest (the crusty old curmudgeon that I am) so make that four generations within the depart- ment. Yes, there are four generations; I have holsters older than my young- est officers to prove it. Each of these generations distinctively has its own individual positive and negative attri- butes. Each senior generation likes to tease the younger one, matter of fact it can nearly become a sporting event. I know that when I showed up in 1979 my classmates and I were gossiped