Worth a Look: Why chiefs and trainers should be learning from street cops
While it is true that “ships run by democracy sink”; it is just as true that the captain relies on the crew to maintain the seaworthiness of the vessel and communicate her needs.
Richard Fairburn’s Why chiefs and trainers should be learning from street cops on the PoliceOne.com website accurately details the importance of seeking out the SMEs (subject material experts) in a police organization, from the line level. In addition to Dick’s discussion on the importance of this input for training and hiring, I would suggest that policy and procedure development is enhanced as well.
What are some other issues that benefit from input from the line officers in a PD?
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Hilary Fogarty
Graduate University of Portsmouth
So true. It is no discredit to the senior officers – whatever your trade if you do not apply it in a practical sense you become de-skilled. The true credit of a senior officer is to recognise this point and be big big enough to keep in contact with those applying it at street level and be open to hearing and applying what they are saying. My Father was a Chief Superintendent and l a wooden top but my greatest respect for him is that he openly acknowledged that l knew more about ‘real’ policing, whilst he knew far more than me about administration, politics and financial restraint. It is not a competition – horses for courses let’s use our best skills at every level. This should not be used as a political whipping post but a celebration that we are multi-skilled and Managers should ensure their ears are attuned to the realities on the street. That done the police and the public should benefit. A happy service produces a better service. We should all be on the same side.
So very well stated, thank you for that personal perspective!
Paul Thomas
retired at met.officer/trainer/mentor
Hilary, Greatest respect for your father, a few more honest men like him the better the service would be.
Over the years I have seen many senior officers but it is a hand full that I consider to be a complete senior officer, that in my eyes would be an efficient office manager plus a man who would sit down and listen to the ranks point of view on something.
some want to remember that because a man is only a P.C. doesn’t mean that he doesn’t have an educated opinion on something,maybe sometimes he might have a hell of a surprise as to their input.
Martin Palmer
Experienced Manager & Trainer: Looking for new opportunities
Interesting and relevant read.
Mark Comeau
Police Officer at East Lyme Police Department
David, thanks for the post I always enjoy reading yours. The concept described here should be the standard.
Jim Prouty
Owner-Archangel Emergency Management Group
Very valid concepts
Paul Downing FCMI BSc(Hons)
Director/Consultant/Coach/Volunteer & Councillor
all good – and i would add
11. Time, 12. A smile, 13. Appropriate (extra) time off, 14. genuine interest in their out of work life… all cost the organisation nothing and yet are worth so much…
Martin Palmer
Experienced Manager & Trainer: Looking for new opportunities
Excellent read and all valid pointers
Fred Leland
Director and Principal Trainer for Law Enforcement & Security Consulting
Spot on
Joseph Fitzgerald, Ph.D.
Police Sergeant / Principal: The Peele Group
Mr. Fairburn eloquently wrote about the need to handle “disconnects” within an organization in a proper manner. I agree with his stance that law enforcement administrators need to act more as leaders in the sense of recognizing what their resources are, making a decision on what is best for the organization and then delegating that task to the proper individual(s).
In his opening paragraphs Fairburn related that years experience does not always equate to expertise. Good leaders in an organization will be cognizant that there will constantly be change in their particular organization and that the best managerial attitude they can possess is to be open to adaptation. Relying on your organizational support structures not only makes you as the leader look good, but it also engages and empowers employees, which subsequently allows the organization as a whole to operate more efficiently and effectively.