Over the years I have obtained a lot of information from various departments relating to the administrations' expectations of their personnel. When I became chief of police, I wanted to ensure that my personnel knew what was expected of them and how they could develop their careers. Therefore, I utilized this information and advised all of my personnel of the requirements I expected for career development within my department. (For the purpose of this article, I utilized a generic form and did not mention any one particular city).
I strongly feel it is the responsibility of department executives to inform employees as to what is expected in order to enhance their careers within that organization. Careers are enhanced in various ways, such as: special assignments, promotions and job enrichment. Before any of these events transpire, it is necessary to meet specific criteria that are hereby established.
These criteria in many cases reach beyond specific areas in which employees are routinely evaluated on an annual basis. They are standards and expectations those employees who will advance must successfully maintain during their term of employment with this agency.
Effective Human Relations
Success in the organization will not be at the expense of fellow employees. Human relations skills must be displayed that provide evidence that there is sensitivity to the feelings and needs of co-workers and members of the public,who are contacted on a routine basis. The paramount tenet here is that the organization's finest resource is the people who comprise the organization. People are to be treated fairly and with dignity and respect. A healthy organization depends on effective human relations.
Goals and Objectives
It is important for all department personnel to be aware and do their part as team members to accomplish departmental goals and objectives. The following two statements most clearly explain the overall goals of this department:
- Strive to protect the right of all citizens to be free from criminal attack, to be secure in their possessions, and to live in a peaceful environment.
- Move as an organization to become ever more responsive, dynamic and resourceful in serving the needs of our citizens.
Each employee is an integral team member and is an important element in achieving these goals and objectives. A sense of self-worth and self-confidence should be balanced with sincerity when attempting to achieve individual and organizational goals.
Loyalty
Loyalty is a quality that in no way can be compromised. It is expected that loyalty will be displayed at all times to:
- Fellow workers -- superiors and subordinates.
- The division or unit to which an employee is assigned.
- The police department as an organizational entity.
- The chief of police as Chief Executive Officer of the agency.
- The city, its city management and governing body of elected officials.
Ability to Develop Subordinate Personnel
Since our personnel are our greatest assets, organizationally, it is mandatory that those individuals who aspire to advance in the department exhibit the ability to develop subordinates, or in the case of non-supervisors, those employees who may be junior within the organization. Many individuals possess extraordinary skills and interest in specific areas or at least the potential to develop these skills to a higher degree of proficiency. These individuals must be recognized and given the opportunity to grow in those areas that will benefit the individual ultimately, as well as the department or city. Along with the opportunity to develop the employee, the successful individual will provide support and guidance to assist the subordinate or junior employee in his/her own career enhancement.
Flexibility and Adaptability
The ability to be receptive to changes that are uncomfortable and adapt to those changing conditions is a quality that must be present before an employee can advance in the organization. One must be willing to listen to divergent ideas and opinions and make the most of adverse circumstances that may be thrust upon him/her as a result of the implementation of change. Flexibility and adaptability is that valuable ability to function with a minimum of disruption and take full advantage of the ideas and concepts that arise as adjustments are made to change in our environment.
Past Performance
Employees who are to be considered for advancement in the department will have displayed consistent exemplary performance in their respective job assignments. Improvement of noted performance deficiencies, if any, must be consistent and lasting.
Sensitivity and Awareness of Our Work Environment
It is the absolute responsibility of each aspiring employee to acquire the knowledge necessary to appreciate exclusive characteristics of the city -- its history, organization, political components, citizenry and philosophy. Once this knowledge is acquired, it is expected that a degree of sensitivity be ever-present in dealing with these various elements that comprise the city.
The philosophy of the city is: A progressive, dynamic and caring organization moving in concert with clear direction --
- Committed to the highest quality of service to the community;
- Fostering a spirit of loyalty, mutual respect and trust; and
- Striving to attain the next horizon.
This information, in my estimation, is very important for you to know and follow no matter what position you may be testing for. It is the foundation of any agency, and every administrator that I know is looking for men and women who adhere to this philosophy.
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