Issue link: https://let.epubxp.com/i/137309
E ?? PP IN ?? H E ? F ?QUI?? ??G T?? ?O F? I C E R BY WILLIAM L. HARVEY Prerequisites for a future commander A t one point in my career I was asked to review a job description for a ranking commander at another department. The ad piqued my interest. After reading some more job announcements a theme started to emerge. I did not see (in these at least) a few desired traits I value. Most ads mentioned the boilerplate knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) usually churned out by human resources. Oftentimes I believe these are standardized to make job descriptions a one-size-fits-all. There could have been some cutting and pasting going on, too. If you are reading this to get a leg up on a promotion or job in the future, read on. I have a few KSAs that I find particularly valuable—skills not often mentioned in ads, but skills that bring real experience and benefits for those who have them in their hip pocket. If I could have one major "do over" in my career, I would rethink my training selections. Like most young officers I sought out the tactical, defensive tactics and other testosterone-laced police training. If I could make a recommendation to any officer in his or her formative years, I Circle 36 on Reader Service Card 24 Law Enforcement Technology June 2013 www.officer.com would tell them to invest heavily in interpersonal communication skills. Some of us are naturals with communication and some of us struggle, and a few just don't have any. To apply these skills within the confines of law enforcement is a major plus. In retrospect, there are probably some admissions I could have garnered that would have helped to solve a few more cases had I employed better communication skills. Most young cops don't value the art of obtaining human information for investigations as they should. Many do not value the art of "tactical talking" like Verbal Judo or MOAB until they are required to. Any candidate for promotion to supervisor up to chief needs to have superior interpersonal communication skills. This is a must, not a compromise. Do yourself a favor and invest in one of these programs. And if there is an advanced class take that, too.