Law Enforcement Technology

FEB 2014

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11 www.officer.com February 2014 Law Enforcement Technology L E A D E R S H I P O ne of the duties required of a chief is to give direction to newly appointed staff members. Often this is a formal recapitulation of the new job description and the new assignment. Some chiefs write formal letters of encouragement with goals and objectives sprinkled throughout. This is a great idea, as you then have a paper trail to remind the newly promoted of their failings, should they not successfully complete their probation. Often times this is accompanied by "the talk." I recall mine. It probably would not pass the political correctness muster of today, but it worked for me. I have since polished it up with several leadership tidbits, plus added a few nug- gets from my own experience. I recently learned of a young lad in another depart- ment whom I know is soon to be pro- moted. Since I am not his chief I cannot give him "the talk," but I can offer him this advice. First of all, look at your new uniform. You have a lot of stripes now! However a zebra has more stripes than you do...and he is an ass. So now young man, don't be an ass. The learning point here is that you were selected to be a sergeant for your specific knowledge, skills and abilities. You are raw material that staff feels can be molded into a fine sergeant. You have what it takes to make it. In others words, continue to be yourself. I have seen a few who after getting promoted seemed to have obtained instant intelligence. It was nearly like a changeling had taken over their body. Be your natural self. Should you try to act as the new person, then the course will be doubly hard, and you may be more destined to fail. Respect the skill sets of your new squad. Each person has something to offer you and the mission. Don't be a know-it-all. No one likes a know-it-all. If you have skilled officers, then allow their performance to come through. Never, ever forget these are your offi- cers! I do not care if they did not like you before or after your assignment, they are your officers and you are charged to care for them. Notice I said not "in charge of them," rather you are charged to direct and care for them. At the end of a long day you should be the last to eat and last out of the door. You should ensure that your offi- cers are cared for and end their tour of duty safely. They might not respect you now. But that will develop if you earn it daily. Someone once asked me, " What is the definition of a police squad?" I B Y W I L L I A M L . H A R V E Y Directions for new sergeants You will make mistakes, and they are not the end of the world. When you do, take responsibility and your lumps. LET_11-12_NewSgts0214.indd 11 1/24/14 12:36 PM

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