NCJ Number
134430
Journal
Law Enforcement Technology Volume: 19 Issue: 1 Dated: (January 1992) Pages: 20-22
Date Published
1992
Length
3 pages
Annotation
The training and development of a lieutenant should include several phases of training and experience.
Abstract
Before prospective lieutenants are promoted, they should be trained in preparation for their position. Once a sergeant has been slated for promotion, the sergeant's current lieutenant should begin the training process. The delegation of greater responsibility to the sergeant will help ease the transition from first to second-line supervisor. The lieutenant should encourage the sergeant to ask questions and voice concerns about future responsibilities and duties. The lieutenant's role is that of a manager of managers instead of the sergeant's role as supervisor of a single shift or squad. Most of the new duties will require more knowledge as well as greater insight and foresight. Training in conceptual and technical subjects will be required. The training staff of each department should conduct a training needs assessment to determine what a lieutenant is required to know and the skills needed to perform the job effectively. The resources required to meet the training needs should then be identified. Classroom and field training will typically encompass labor relations, time management, public speaking, crisis management, internal affairs, speed reading, writing skills, communication skills, management skills, and interviewing skills. Inservice training should be provided to ensure that lieutenants are prepared to meet new policing challenges and to use state-of-the-art police management techniques.