Police Chief

Book excerpt: Based on over seventy years of extensive experience at the federal, state, county, and municipal level, the authors draw on current knowledge to provide a thorough overview of the realities of the position of chief of police. The book provides practical, common sense advice for preparing oneself for the position, successfully negotiating the application and screening process, and competing in various selection procedures including the assessment center. The book then addresses negotiating an employee compensation and benefits agreement, and once the position is offered, how to prepare for your first days as a chief of police. It also furnishes sound advice intended to help the chief retain his physical, emotional and ethical health while leading a professional law enforcement agency. Chapter topics include advice on taking control of the police department and setting the agenda in place, emphasizing the extreme importance of role modeling the behavior that the chief expects of department personnel, the requirements for a productive relationship with the command staff, exploring the multifaceted relationship a chief has with his employees, and guidelines for managing relations with collective bargaining units, schools and businesses, and the various elements of the community. It also examines establishing and maintaining your relationship with your superior (whether that is a city manager or elected official), developing and managing a budget, managing the disciplinary process, how to respond when things go wrong (to include officer-involved shootings and other misconduct), and building a good working relationship with the media. Each chapter concludes with a OC Points to RememberOCO section that will be beneficial to the new police chief in order to avoid mistakes and build on the body of knowledge that constitutes professional law enforcement leadership. There are several sample policies, procedures, and forms included in the book that will prove very useful for the new or veteran chief. This resource will be invaluable to all prospective and current chiefs of police, law enforcement professionals, policymakers, and police academics."