NCJ Number
115819
Journal
Police Journal Volume: 62 Issue: 1 Dated: (January-March 1989) Pages: 13-21
Date Published
1989
Length
9 pages
Annotation
The Police Service in Great Britain has long recognized that securing the best kind of leadership is crucial and has used the Police Staff College at Bramshill as a major component in the development of appropriate leaders.
Abstract
The concept of the Police College emerged after 1944 as the result of the work of a committee that examined ways to provide higher training for potential leaders and the organization of training courses for officers in the higher ranks of the Police Service. The national Police College was created in 1948 and has experienced many changes in courses and other elements over the years. In recent years it has increasingly emphasized command exercises related to practical situations, as well as the development of each officer's self-knowledge, skills, and abilities. It has also expanded the number of short, specialized courses. Nevertheless, the qualities that constitute leadership remain somewhat mysterious, although it is recognized that leadership can be perceived and encouraged. A central feature of leadership is self-confidence, based both on personal and individual characteristics and on high professional standards. Above all, police leaders must have imagination so that they can be aware of possibilities and respond to change.