Questions For The Chief

Oftentimes when I was speaking before a class regarding the chief's expectations from their supervisors, I was asked to complete a questionnaire called "Questions for the Chief." These questions are geared towards a sergeant position, but I have used many of them in all ranks during the chief's interview phase. They are to be used as something to think about when you are doing your research for your promotional process.

Remember, these are my answers, but I firmly believe that many other chiefs share the same view.

1. Name three qualities/traits you desire in a sergeant?

• Honesty/integrity.
• Professionalism/Loyalty.
• A sense of humor.

• Set the Example.
• Be Accountable.
• Be Positive.

• I would have taken more time to know my personnel.

• Sergeants, on probation, run into problems when they are afraid to act or overreact. That is, they don't know how to act like a sergeant.

• Be yourself.
• Pat yourself on the back.
• Don't put others down.
• Demonstrate your knowledge and common sense.

• To lead.
• Monitor activities of his personnel.
• Cheerlead.
• Discipline.
• CARE.

• Situational.

• Retention of qualified personnel.
• Hiring of qualified personnel.
• Older community; elderly victims; run-down cities.
• High tech crimes -- must train our officers in a different way to fight these crimes.

• Education is extremely important to all officers no matter what their rank.
• Bachelor's degrees are becoming as plentiful as Associate's degrees. A Master's degree is becoming necessary for future advancement.

• It's not so much how many assignments the officer has had. It really depends on how well he performed while in these assignments

• Positive attitude.
• Insight into his personnel.
• Good sixth sense.
• Not afraid to try different approaches.

• Officers who are negative,
• Always state, "I can't do it."
• Complain about doing what they are paid to do.
• Always trying to get out of work, especially near the end of their shift.

• I prefer a straight oral board approach for all of my promotions.

• Dress is very important. It is the first impression you make on the raters.
• Keep it business attire and professional looking.
• Class A uniform is appropriate as long as it is in good condition and all of your rank, patches, and various insignias are properly sewn onto the uniform.

• Today we deal with a multitude of personalities and lifestyles in the department.
• Many officers have little or no life experiences and still live with their parents.
• Administrators must explain themselves more as to why certain things are done in certain ways.
• More laws to know.
• Police Officers' Bill of Rights.
• Liability issues.
• We now have a higher caliber of officer. Any officer of rank must stay up with them or the officers will lose respect for him or her.

• Mock orals.
• Videotape yourself during these mock orals.
• Research and study.
• Use leadership tapes.
• Think of the sergeant you enjoyed working with and use some of their techniques when dealing with personnel and citizens.