Tips for New Chiefs of Police

Jan. 23, 2017
Never forget where you came from and always remember that your role is to be the leader of those whose shoulders you are standing on.

Recently, a young man who was pursuing a chief’s job, called me for some insights.  Could I offer him a few quick tips? My reply was this job is not built upon a tip or so, but this is a transitional process. Since this is going to be a long conversation, how about over some coffee? After the conversation, which was more detailed then he imagined. I jotted a few of these life lessons down. Some were told to me by my mentor chief and others learned by observations and hard life experiences.

  1. Say Thank You (and mean it). Just because you are on the top of the pecking order, common courtesy is still required and expected. Employees appreciate when their efforts are noticed and commented on. You will have a lot on your plate and those contributions to assist you throughout the day will add up, be grateful.
  2. Never ever compare your old department to the new one. I never had biological brothers or sisters so I never had the sibling competition. I often compare the new department to a new relationship, one would never compare their last love interest to the current one. You could have retired honorably from your old department and still have allegiance to it. However, love your new department with all your heart. This department is important to the staff and the leader needs to show the same display of loyalty and affinity to it.
  3. Watch cutting/pasting documents - You may have to produce or rewrite a directive or policy. Yes, you brought your old department’s manual with you. Be careful cutting and pasting!  Learn the new department’s lingo, every state has different terms as well. The terms may be synonyms but using the correct and colloquial terminology goes a long way. This cuts down on confusion and creates buy-in for your work product.
  4. Acknowledge good performance- You know what good police work looks like. When you see it, applaud their work. Goes back to thank you, you cannot hand out bonuses, promotions but meaningful appreciation adds up. Posting of complimentary letters with your acknowledgement, even a gold star or happy face can raise morale.
  5. Get in Early and Go Home Late – You are the chief executive officer, but do not live the executive lifestyle. It is still the basic leadership that I learned from the military.
  6. Be Open for Input- You are not the all-knowing. When you become a chief or sheriff, you are not immediately gifted with instant intelligence. Little suggestions can prevent big future mistakes. Of course, some may come from the jaded officer who just wants to raise their ire with the world, but still little tips can be gleaned from conversations.
  7. Beware of “Counter Intelligence” (rumors) – Every police department has the squad room counter or kitchen area table where officers meet and exchange their form of intelligence. Often, a rumor or innuendo surfaces, but you should take heed of some of the rumblings and address when needed. Police departments do not run off electricity or coffee, rumors fuel the staff often to the department’s dismay.
  8. Offer to Help (when you can). In medium and larger sized departments, it is rare when you contribute to an officer on a call.  You do not want to micro-manage or take over. Sometimes if you are recognized, the persons will gravitate to you due to your rank. Let the officers be the officers. If you do happen upon a call, please make sure you do not hinder or complicate the situation. Remember the acronym CHAOS – Chief Has Arrived on Scene.
  9. Be Patient – There will be times you want to make a point or send a message. The proper time will come, do not push it and make something bigger than it is. Read the news lines, go to websites (officer.com) and get timely articles to base it on. Just spouting off ideals and knowledge without foundations will make you appear lame.
  10. Make notes on all for recall – Make little on notes little things that you can have an opening for connectivity with your staff. This officer is a little league coach. One is a reformed smoker, not to invite for cigars, never invite a reformed drinker to afterhours. I honor my military veterans, send emails on Veteran’s Day, Marine Corps and MP birthdays. Little things add up in your meshing with the staff. 

Finally, I will remind you that the view from the chief’s chair sometimes is the best view in the career. However, there are going to be some extremely lonely times. I was told that there will be many nights you will sit and stare out the window during the night before a major decision; no truer words were ever spoken to me. What you should not do is complain in front of your officers. They need to see your strength during the tough times. Some of your complaints they will not understand for it is out of their world. Have you listened to their complaints from a patrol officer’s world and now you want their ears? There is a song by Jamey Johnson titled Lonely at the Top. There is a verse “it might be lonely at the top, but it’s a bitch at the bottom”. Take a listen to the song in its entirety and it will refine your thoughts of pouring out your troubles in front of staff. Never forget where you came from and always remember that your role is to be the leader of those whose shoulders you are standing on.

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