Top Cop Leadership

Hello Reader, I hope this message finds you well. I have received a lot of positive feedback about my book, "Guardians of the Community: Uniting Communities Through Sir Robert Peel's Time Honored Principles," which was published on August 13, 2024. My book revisits the foundational principles established by Sir Robert Peel—principles that have shaped modern policing and remain as relevant today as they were in the 19th century. What’s Inside: A deep dive into Sir Robert Peel's Nine Principles...

Hello Reader, Over the course of my career in law enforcement, I have served on countless interview panels, both within my own organization and while assisting other agencies. I reviewed resumes for promotions, lateral transfers, and executive appointments. I watched how hiring panels evaluated candidates under time pressure and how quickly first impressions were formed. Since retiring in June 2024, I’ve continued to see the process from a different angle as a recruiter with Sumter Local...

Hello Reader, I recently watched an episode of Family Feud with Steve Harvey, where contestants were asked to name things you should never do in the middle of a job interview. The top six responses were: Fart Use Phone/Text Pick Nose Cuss/Yell Go to Bathroom Light Up a Cigarette At first, I couldn’t help but chuckle at the crude and over-the-top answers. Let’s face it—these scenarios are outrageous, but they highlight an important point: certain actions are instant interview killers. While...

Hello Reader, Succession planning is vital for any organization, but in law enforcement, it holds even greater significance. As leaders retire or move on, the continuity of leadership and the effective transfer of knowledge become critical to maintaining public safety, morale, and operational efficiency. Succession planning ensures that the next generation of leaders is ready to lead their agencies through challenges while upholding the standards and principles of law enforcement. I’ll...

Hello Reader, I hope this message finds you well. I am thrilled to announce the upcoming release of my new book, "Guardians of the Community: Uniting Communities Through Sir Robert Peel's Time Honored Principles," which will be available on August 13, 2024. As a dedicated member of the law enforcement community, you understand the importance of fostering trust and collaboration between officers and the communities we serve. My book revisits the foundational principles established by Sir...

Hello Reader, The role of a police chief is one of immense responsibility, leadership, and influence. For experienced law enforcement professionals seeking to step into or advance within this critical role, finding the right job is more than just a career move—it’s a decision that can impact the community, the police department, and the individual’s professional and personal life. Understanding the Importance of Job Fit The concept of “fit” in a job is crucial for any profession, but it is...

Hello Reader, The search for a new police chief today is not just a routine process but a dynamic and evolving one. Cities are increasingly leveraging online tools to engage their communities and ensure a transparent selection process. Among these tools, online community surveys have emerged as a particularly effective method for gathering input on the qualities and qualifications desired in a new police chief. These surveys, along with community forums where citizens can interact with the...

Hello Reader, Unlike sheriffs, the majority of police chiefs in the United States are appointed by City or County Managers, Mayors, Commission Chairs, or some other official. Typically, in small and large cities, the police chief reports directly to the mayor or other elected official, which can make the police chief's job difficult because of politics. In the cities in between, a professional, such as a City Manager, appoints the police chief. This gives the chief some distance from...

Hello Reader, For most police chief searches, the process is pretty straightforward. If so inclined, the city manager or Mayor just picks the police chief from an internal candidate pool. Usually, though, the job is advertised, and internal and external candidates apply. However, the hiring authority has no choice in some states and cities as the candidate pool is limited to internal candidates only. Image by Micha from Pixabay For example, the City of Akron's recent announcement that it will...

Help Me Select a Cover For My Upcoming Book Recently, I sent an email asking for your vote for the title of my upcoming book, which will discuss how Sir Robert Peel's 9 Principles of Policing are still applicable today. With your vote, the title of my book will be "Guardians of the Community: Uniting Communities Through Sir Robert Peel's Time-Honored Principles." I now need your help selecting the best cover for my book. There are two options. Click on the image of the one you prefer, which...