Developing the Next Generation of Leaders in a Mid-Size Police Department

• NCJ Number: 177769
• Author(s): Stephen M. Lynch
• Date Published: May 1998
• Length: 17 pages
• Corporate Author: California Cmssn on Peace Officer Standards and Training
• Sale Source: NCJRS Photocopy Services; POST Media Distribution Ctr
• Publication Format: Dissertation/Thesis
• Publication Type: Thesis/Dissertation
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This article discusses the importance of taking a proactive approach to the development of new police leadership and emphasizes the necessity of developing both management skills and leadership characteristics.

Abstract

Difficulties encountered in providing specific training and experience to potential managers are identified, and suggestions to overcome these difficulties are offered. The development of managers in the Concord, California, Police Department is described. Problems encountered by this police department are viewed as common to other small and mid-sized police departments. In particular, the focus is on the turnover of personnel in sworn manager positions, management skills and abilities, differences between management and leadership, characteristics of effective leaders, whether leadership can be learned, and shortcomings of traditional executive development. Development opportunities in the Concord Police Department are noted, and recommendations on how to better prepare future police leaders are offered. 5 endnotes