NCJ Number
144712
Journal
FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 62 Issue: 8 Dated: (August 1993) Pages: 22-25
Date Published
1993
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article emphasizes the importance of police administrators being effective leaders as well as competent managers.
Abstract
To become effective leaders, law enforcement administrators must be aware of the tasks facing them and the importance of consistency to gain the trust and respect of the people they lead. The main tasks of leaders fall into three distinct categories. Leaders must envision the future, gain the cooperation of others, and alter the way others think about things. In law enforcement, leaders must begin by forming an organizational vision and making a commitment to it. Their passion for excellence and their visions for themselves and their officers greatly test their abilities as leaders. Committing to a vision also calls on a leader's capacity to take risks. After developing a vision for the department, police leaders must gain the cooperation of their officers to work toward that vision. Effective law enforcement leaders achieve cooperation through motivation. Finally, all employees must have the same values and goals; therefore, police leaders must develop high standards and instill these ideals in their staff members. Police leaders accomplish these goals by knowing their business, knowing themselves, and knowing their personnel. Each of these aspects of leadership is discussed. 5 notes