Feed for Leadership

End of Watch: May 2013

SBaldassari — Wed, 05 Jun 2013 16:01:37 +0000

If we’re truly committed to improving officer safety we must have the courage to constructively review every loss and to speak to others about using common sense.

My Life's Turning Point

CCoates — Thu, 30 May 2013 22:19:20 +0000

A simply request from my young daughter allowed me to retake control of my life.

A Test of Police Allegiance

CCoates — Thu, 30 May 2013 15:38:01 +0000

From federal drones to federal gun control--when does the local cop have the duty to say, "Enough is enough"?

Urgent Appeal: Help for Okla. Tornado Victims

CCoates — Tue, 21 May 2013 15:57:38 +0000

Moore, Okla., has been leveled. Do what you can to help out.

Moore police dig through the rubble of the Plaza Towers Elementary School following a tornado in Moore, Okla. At least 51 people killed, 20 children among them.

AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki

Paperwork & Other Excuses

SBaldassari — Mon, 20 May 2013 15:46:14 +0000

It might be a hassle, but it’s part of the job you do.

Honor & Sacrifice

SBaldassari — Tue, 14 May 2013 16:36:22 +0000

Fallen officers deserve to be remembered for how they lived and the ultimate sacrifice that they have paid for all of us.

The Ft. Myers Police Honor Guard escorting fallen officer Andrew Widman in July 2008.

Photos courtesy Cindra Dunaway

Terrorism, Reality & Short-Term Memory

CCoates — Fri, 10 May 2013 18:31:20 +0000

It happened after 9/11 and it's happening again: How quickly we forget

10th-Anniversary Conference Shines Brighter than Ever

CCoates — Tue, 07 May 2013 16:37:14 +0000

A review of Sgt. Humes' favorite week of the year--ILEETA.

"Segmentation" & the Perils of Monday-Morning Quarterbacks

CCoates — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 23:08:56 +0000

A DOJ investigation in Portland that alleges excessive use of force sets a dangerous & unrealistic precedent.

Stress Management for Public Safety Professionals

SBaldassari — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 21:44:38 +0000

Cumulative stress can affect your work performance, your attendance, your personal relationships and your social life, not to mention the physical manifestations that can occur.

Complacency

SBaldassari — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 21:13:05 +0000

The most insidious of all threats.

Guns & LE Exemptions

SBaldassari — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 21:32:07 +0000

Cops today must have the ability to meet force with equal or greater force.

Interviews vs. Interrogations: A Huge Difference

CCoates — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 17:33:01 +0000

When a Jackson (Miss.) officer recently lost his life, press reports might have led to a confusion about what took place. But LEOs can afford no such confusion.

Det. Eric Smith, a 20-year veteran of the MPD, was shot and killed with his own weapon during an interrogation with a 23-year-old murder suspect. (Photo Jackson PD)

21st Century Law Enforcement Leaders

SBaldassari — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 17:30:21 +0000

Modern policing requires evolutionary training. The most cost effective and productive means to achieve this is through the first line supervisor.

So You Want To Be a Dispatcher?

SBaldassari — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 16:08:29 +0000

When it comes to public safety, there’s always going to be the good, the bad and the ugly.

“Thin Gold Line.” Among the thin red line, the thin blue line and the thin white line, lies the thinnest gold line. This thin gold line represents those who are rarely seen, but mostly heard. The calm voice in the dark. The golden glue that holds it all together.

Let's Get Real About the Gun Debate

CCoates — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 18:44:21 +0000

The whole gun debate needs a dose of reality. Doing so might take the focus off guns and back on those responsible for our current place.

LEO: Time for Counseling?

CCoates — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 23:29:54 +0000

If you sometimes think, “Maybe it would be a good idea to go for a little counseling,” then go.

Leaders in Law Enforcement

SBaldassari — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 18:25:49 +0000

What it takes to be a good one.

Lightning Strikes Twice

SBaldassari — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 17:55:20 +0000

Another LODD at the agency sends Bullethead looking for answers.

End of Watch: February 2013

SBaldassari — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 17:00:14 +0000

Behind each of these losses is a lesson waiting to be learned and it’s from these stories that we can prevent the deaths of others.

Leadership Development

SBaldassari — Thu, 21 Feb 2013 19:36:19 +0000

Principles and tips for establishing strong, educated, trained and experienced leaders.

iStock photo

Training & the Leader

SBaldassari — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 17:02:47 +0000

How do agencies train to an adequate standard while staying on budget?

When a leader trains his subordinates at day-to-day patrol duties, leaders gain confidence in their own skills while achieving an understanding of their shift’s capabilities, strengths and weaknesses.

iStock photo

Career Advancement

SBaldassari — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 18:07:22 +0000

How to set career goals and invest in your profession.

Nothing will break your resolve than setting a career goal, getting half way there and then failing. Make sure it’s something that’s doable and reasonable.

iStock photo

Some Cops Just Can’t Keep a Secret

SBaldassari — Thu, 07 Feb 2013 17:11:15 +0000

For hostage incidents like in Midland City, Ala., our tactical bag of tricks doesn't need public exposure.

Old Timers

SBaldassari — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 18:34:37 +0000

At what point does age become a safety issue in the LE field?