NCJ Number
123762
Journal
Police Chief Volume: 57 Issue: 4 Dated: (April 1990) Pages: 133-135
Date Published
1990
Length
3 pages
Annotation
There is a series of phases in leadership that seem essential to police chief survival, as well as to the health of the department.
Abstract
The "pre-chief" phase includes the entirety of a candidate's career, credentials, reputation, and personal life. Some of the most important dynamics of this phase are fostering a "clean career," being aware that officers will check you out, obtaining the necessary street experience, and resolving conflicts. Expressing a genuine concern about the agency is always a good approach for the new chief. Some basic strategies for this are not traumatizing the organization by moving too fast; having a plan, a rationale, and follow through; understanding the organization and its history; meeting with officers and employees; and maintaining open lines of communication with special groups. Along with gathering as much information about the community as possible, other "right moves" include checking key policies immediately, preparing for the unknown "external impact," and speaking to groups whenever possible. The police chief is presented with a delicate balance of performance, personnel, and operational issues, but must care about them all. Some helpful ideas to show this concern are scheduling meetings with employees, getting out of the office to speak to employees, hosting a retreat for employees, and making it a policy to solicit input.