Questions For The Chief

ELVIN G. MIALI
Leadership Contributor
Created: November 14, 2007

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.

How important are opening and closing statements?

Very important, if they are allowed.
Don't memorize them verbatim, but be sure you remember all of the points you want to make; How you express these ideas will be spontaneous and fresh each time you say them. Make them "yours."
Demonstrate preparation.

COP and POP--is there a difference?

Community Oriented Policing and Problem Oriented Policing are two recent buzz-words, but to me they are basically the same with the same goal.
They provide a service where you solve all types of problems, whether civil or criminal.
They must be a part of the department philosophy.
We were doing it long before someone gave it a name. It was called "good old-fashioned police work," or helping the community live together in a safe, quiet environment.
If there was a problem, no matter what it was, we took care of it or helped the citizen find a remedy so it wouldn't become a criminal matter.

Some agencies have sergeants closer to the line officers. Others have the sergeant closer to management. Where do you see the sergeants?

The question should be, "How does the candidate see himself or herself in the role of a sergeant?"
I feel all of my supervisors are management.
I would hope the sergeant would see himself as one step below a lieutenant rather than one step above a patrolman. He is not "one of the guys" anymore.
This also applies for the ranks of lieutenant and captain.

Mission statements: are they important? How should sergeants implement them? Why?

Yes they are important; Mission statements are the philosophy of the department.
Unfortunately, many candidates do not know the basis of the mission statement.
The sergeant is most involved with the "troops" and should know the premise of the mission statement so that he and his command can be on the same page when it comes to understanding the department's goals.
The sergeants must discuss the statement with their personnel at roll call or department training classes.
It should be posted around the station so all personnel, both sworn and non-sworn, are aware of its contents.
You don't have to memorize it; just know what it stands for, and how it relates to the department and the citizens you protect.
I asked all candidates to explain the mission statement, whether they were involved in a promotional process or trying for a specialty assignment.

Hopefully, this gives you some idea of what many police chiefs are looking for in their future supervisors.