Promotions and Starting Over

What matters is that you learn but more important you pace yourself. You are not going to change the world in your first few weeks or months. I know some who have been sergeants for years and still don’t have it. Take your time but always have a purpose of learning something new daily. The key to becoming a great supervisor is remembering that this is a journey towards personal greatness; it is not issued at the quartermaster. Many opportunities take time to manifest themselves, until then learn and train on how to handle them when they come up. Never pass up the opportunity to share a learning moment with your staff. Their growth and personal development is critical to your and the squads success. Foster a learning environment and not one of intimidation. In closing, recall the supervisor or teacher who was willing to help you learn to better yourself. If you were afraid to come to them, then nobody wins. As you and your officers morph or  form into a team, always be there for them. This will occur when you least expect it and builds a form of trust between you. You can’t buy it but when it happens, invest in it.

About The Author:

William L. "Bill" Harvey is a native Virginian. He served as a sergeant in the U.S. Army Military Police Corps. He has a BA in criminology from St. Leo University and is a graduate of the Southern Police Institute of the University of Louisville (103rd AOC). Harvey served for over 23 years with the Savannah (GA) Police Department. He served in field operations, investigations and support services, and completed his career there as the director of training. He has published several articles in professional periodicals and has lectured nationwide. He is serving as a chief of police in central Pennsylvania area; a duty he’s performed for the past nine years. He is on the advisory board of the International Law Enforcement Educators and Trainers Association and other professional associations.