NCJ Number
121981
Date Published
1989
Length
17 pages
Annotation
The basic issues of leadership have not changed in the past 2500 years, but police leaders in North America need to be aware of current trends and the probable social, economic, and political developments of the future and prepare for their roles accordingly.
Abstract
Police leaders of the 21st century will face crime and disorder patterns similar to those of today, with fear of crime out of proportion to the lower crime rates that are likely in view of the changing age structure of the population. Police leadership will have available a large selection of scientific and technical aids and will need to choose carefully due to tight budgets. Other challenges will be to remain attentive to the social and political environment, to organize and motivate people, to emphasize ethics and values, and to develop a new definition of purpose and success. Policing will require an action-oriented approach in its leaders, who must also focus on excellence in all endeavors.