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What are some good leadership qualities for supervisors in the law enforcement field?
#criminal-justice #law-enforcement
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Kim’s Answer
Michael,
I was an officer for 25 years. I filled in as a shift supervisor as needed, including my longest stint of 6 months. Here are some of the things I saw from my perspective:
- always backs his/her officers. Is an ADVOCATE for the officers when dealing with management.
- Looks out for the safety and well-being of the troops, and their professional development (continuing training)
- gets to know their officers.
- stays current on laws and regulations
- is fair and impartial. no playing favorites when granting leave time or making assignments, although assignments need not be "Equal." For example, an officer who is weak on making traffic stops may be given extra assignments doing traffic.
- does NOT micro-manage - lets the officers do their jobs, makes "suggestions" as needed, rather than telling them what to do. Better yet, helps the officer to walk through the thought process involved and arrive at the correct course of action on his/her own
- Makes sure that there is probable cause and the elements of the offense are articulated when approving officers' reports
- keeps management/gov't authority (city manager, etc), apprised on an as-needed basis, of high-profile cases (Doesn't let the chain-of-command get blind-sided)
- Does his/her best to make sure the officers don't leave themselves open to liability, and that the department/gov't entity (city, etc) are not exposed to liability
- Has self-confidence, but not arrogant.
- Has an appropriate sense of humor.
- Uses disciplinary measures sparingly, and uniformly
- Is not afraid to pitch in and be a working officer when the agency is short-staffed, taking some of the load off the officers.
I'm sure there's more, but that's a start! Hope that helps! Basically, a first line supervisor is caught in the middle between management and patrol. He has to please them both.
Kim
Updated
William’s Answer
James' and Billy's answer are broad, where Kim went into detail. All are sound answers. But you have to define what each of the qualities are to you. The qualities are easy to write and say...but what they mean (to you) and how you apply them is what matters.
I was a Supervisory Federal Agent for 20+ years within DOT and DHS. What worked for me is never forgetting where I came from (in other words one is not hired immediately as a boss, one is an officer or an agent first). Once promoted, do not conduct yourself as if you are a co-worker with those you manage, a line in the sand (so to speak) must be drawn. I never asked or directed any of my Agents to do something I would not do myself. I led by example.
Prior to becoming management, standout for everyone to see (not just management). For starters, 1) come to work on time, 2) come to work prepared, 3) follow agency guidelines/practices, 4) stay in physical shape and ensure firearm proficiency, and probably one of the more important factors..4) learn how to write per your department or agency standards...case work and incident reporting are important.
I know from a local or city departments, there is a test for promotion(s). Not sure about State agencies. From a Federal agency, there is an interview and resume' process. So know there is a difference in the promotional process from the different levels of law enforcement agencies/departments, etc.
Good luck to you, Michael, in your pursuit of a career and for Kim, James and Billy, Stay Safe!
I was a Supervisory Federal Agent for 20+ years within DOT and DHS. What worked for me is never forgetting where I came from (in other words one is not hired immediately as a boss, one is an officer or an agent first). Once promoted, do not conduct yourself as if you are a co-worker with those you manage, a line in the sand (so to speak) must be drawn. I never asked or directed any of my Agents to do something I would not do myself. I led by example.
Prior to becoming management, standout for everyone to see (not just management). For starters, 1) come to work on time, 2) come to work prepared, 3) follow agency guidelines/practices, 4) stay in physical shape and ensure firearm proficiency, and probably one of the more important factors..4) learn how to write per your department or agency standards...case work and incident reporting are important.
I know from a local or city departments, there is a test for promotion(s). Not sure about State agencies. From a Federal agency, there is an interview and resume' process. So know there is a difference in the promotional process from the different levels of law enforcement agencies/departments, etc.
Good luck to you, Michael, in your pursuit of a career and for Kim, James and Billy, Stay Safe!
Updated
James’s Answer
Lots of the universal leadership principles that are successful in most career fields are successful in law enforcement as well. One thing that I tell all of my Marines that work with me at the prison here in Okinawa is to "never let subordinates question whether or not you are as invested as they are." Invest in the mission. Invest in your people.
Updated
Billy’s Answer
Here are some that I looked for in my law enforcement/public safety career:
1. Integrity
2. Honesty
3. Loyalty
4. Moral aptitude
5. Always be willing to learn, keep current on law, regulations and policies
6. Attention to detail
7. Compassionate
8. Relentless in your pursuit for excellence
Thank you, great question.
1. Integrity
2. Honesty
3. Loyalty
4. Moral aptitude
5. Always be willing to learn, keep current on law, regulations and policies
6. Attention to detail
7. Compassionate
8. Relentless in your pursuit for excellence
Thank you, great question.