Exemplary Course Work
Promoting Ethical & Effective Leadership
As we continue our efforts in promoting ethical and effective leadership for law enforcement and public safety organizations, I look to bodies of work that I have completed throughout this program. Even though most of our work thus far has an underlying theme of promoting ethical and effective leadership, I have selected four pieces of work that give a balance of ethical and effective leadership for law enforcement. Each piece of work builds upon the theme and focuses on important topics like communication, critical issues that law enforcement leaders are facing, community engagement principles and concepts, and challenges in leadership. When embodying such techniques and strategies, law enforcement leaders can build a stronger partnership with the community they serve, which will have a positive change in public health and safety.
These themes are not only important for law enforcement across the board, but I have seen the importance of each and every one of them in my professional career. Communication is probably the most critical piece when in a leadership role. Whether I am communicating with a subordinate, peer, or supervisor, a community member, or a member from another agency, my ability to communicate effectively is a direct representation of my agency and my ethics. Knowing the critical issues that are affecting my community and those underlying concepts, will allow for appropriate strategic planning to combat such problems. This also correlates directly to community engagement. Those underlying concepts will need the community’s help whether it be through the schools, community programs, or other agencies like, the Department of Health and Human Services. Leadership theory ties everything together. Leadership challenges can be seen in every decision that is made. It is important to understand those challenges when leading. Being able to influence your followers in a positive way will not only empower them, but build a strong relationship between the agency and community.
These themes are not only important for law enforcement across the board, but I have seen the importance of each and every one of them in my professional career. Communication is probably the most critical piece when in a leadership role. Whether I am communicating with a subordinate, peer, or supervisor, a community member, or a member from another agency, my ability to communicate effectively is a direct representation of my agency and my ethics. Knowing the critical issues that are affecting my community and those underlying concepts, will allow for appropriate strategic planning to combat such problems. This also correlates directly to community engagement. Those underlying concepts will need the community’s help whether it be through the schools, community programs, or other agencies like, the Department of Health and Human Services. Leadership theory ties everything together. Leadership challenges can be seen in every decision that is made. It is important to understand those challenges when leading. Being able to influence your followers in a positive way will not only empower them, but build a strong relationship between the agency and community.
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Critical Issues for Law Enforcement Leaders Communication for Law Enforcement Leaders
Community Engagement Organizational Leadership for Law Enforcement
Knowledge & Skills for the 21st Century
As law enforcement continues to develop and change in the 21st Century, law enforcement leaders have to remain knowledgeable and maintain a skill set that is always changing and adapting to the current trends, policies, laws, and community needs. Thus far in our course work we have discussed and researched multiple topics that are applicable to this and are a must for law enforcement leaders in the 21st Century. As law enforcement agencies look to uphold the highest standards in privacy, the public’s Constitutional Rights, and our ability to solve and prevent crime it is important to be knowledgeable in key aspects such as Brady vs. Maryland violations, 4th Amendment exceptions for warrantless cell phone searches, officer development and mentorship, and intelligence-led policing.
As a law enforcement leader, I have seen firsthand just how important knowledge and skill development is in our profession. An agency’s integrity and high standard will reduce the possibility for civil lawsuits and Constitutional Rights Violations. Even as leaders we oversee investigations and decisions that are made while conducting criminal investigations. Being able to apply case law every day and having that knowledge base will not only create better criminal investigations, but it will build the community’s trust for the agency. If an agency fails to have this knowledge, the community will believe that the agency is corrupt and not trustworthy. Officer mentorship is also imperative, so the officer’s knowledge base is well developed. Having an officer mentorship past the new officer field training is a must. If this is neglected there will be a direct impact on the officer’s skills throughout their career. This is why staying current on all of your skills is vital, so officers can uphold the high ethical commitment that is required. Lastly, ILP is the new way of policing and preventing crime. Officers may not have the technical position in the collection and analyzing of the data, but their role is key in the process. Being able to gather the intelligence and share the information is a huge piece of the puzzle. Data sharing is key when utilizing ILP whether it be for persons of interest or preventing sexual assaults. Having this high standard of knowledge and skill base will continue to bring the agency and community together in a partnership that is needed to effectively serve and protect the community.
As a law enforcement leader, I have seen firsthand just how important knowledge and skill development is in our profession. An agency’s integrity and high standard will reduce the possibility for civil lawsuits and Constitutional Rights Violations. Even as leaders we oversee investigations and decisions that are made while conducting criminal investigations. Being able to apply case law every day and having that knowledge base will not only create better criminal investigations, but it will build the community’s trust for the agency. If an agency fails to have this knowledge, the community will believe that the agency is corrupt and not trustworthy. Officer mentorship is also imperative, so the officer’s knowledge base is well developed. Having an officer mentorship past the new officer field training is a must. If this is neglected there will be a direct impact on the officer’s skills throughout their career. This is why staying current on all of your skills is vital, so officers can uphold the high ethical commitment that is required. Lastly, ILP is the new way of policing and preventing crime. Officers may not have the technical position in the collection and analyzing of the data, but their role is key in the process. Being able to gather the intelligence and share the information is a huge piece of the puzzle. Data sharing is key when utilizing ILP whether it be for persons of interest or preventing sexual assaults. Having this high standard of knowledge and skill base will continue to bring the agency and community together in a partnership that is needed to effectively serve and protect the community.
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Brady Violations, Exculpatory Evidence 4th Amendment Exceptions to Warrantless Searches of Cell Phones
Mentorship for Law Enforcement Intelligence-Led Policing
Institutional Assessment and Change
As law enforcement agencies in the 21st Century continue to evolve and change, it is important for law enforcement leaders to understand and embrace the change. The thought process of organizational change and assessment, needs to start at the top so the leadership can create buy-in from their followers. I have selected four pieces of work to address organizational change and assessment for the 21st Century law enforcement agency. Each piece of work builds upon the theme and focuses on important topics such as organizational change theory, leader’s communication and the need for transparency, the use of a conflict resolution plan, and the use and implementation for body worn cameras. When embodying such techniques and strategies, law enforcement leaders can build greater trust and a stronger partnership with the community they serve, which will have a positive change in public health and safety.
As a law enforcement leader, I have seen how much law enforcement has changed in the last decade. As leaders in law enforcement it is imperative to have the knowledge in the realm of organizational assessment and change. Law enforcement is constantly changing and we have to stay on top of all of those changes. If not, we will find ourselves in comprising situations that will bring a bad light on our agency and ourselves. Organizational Change Theory can be utilized for small individual situations, also with a much larger agency problem. Handling that change appropriately will allow leaders to create buy-in, which will reduce possible conflict and resistance. Once again the need for effective communication is key.
Transparent communication has to be exhibited on a daily basis so when the critical incident occurs, it is natural to communicate in such a manner. This transparency will build the community’s trust even if the community is in crisis.
As law enforcement agencies and officers are dealing with more extreme situations on a daily basis, the potential for conflict is increasing more now than ever before. The agency’s ability to handle the conflict and set forth a plan to make a change should be the priority. This will also build the morale within the agency and set forth the precedent the employee is important to the agency.
As law enforcement agencies want to protect their officers, it is important to adapt when new technologies are available. With the proper implementation and policies, BWCs can change many things for an agency and community. As law enforcement leaders it is important to understand the need for continual assessment and possible change. As leaders it is imperative to embrace change and not get stuck in the “old ways” of doing something. By doing this, the agency will be able to better serve and protect their community and employees.
As a law enforcement leader, I have seen how much law enforcement has changed in the last decade. As leaders in law enforcement it is imperative to have the knowledge in the realm of organizational assessment and change. Law enforcement is constantly changing and we have to stay on top of all of those changes. If not, we will find ourselves in comprising situations that will bring a bad light on our agency and ourselves. Organizational Change Theory can be utilized for small individual situations, also with a much larger agency problem. Handling that change appropriately will allow leaders to create buy-in, which will reduce possible conflict and resistance. Once again the need for effective communication is key.
Transparent communication has to be exhibited on a daily basis so when the critical incident occurs, it is natural to communicate in such a manner. This transparency will build the community’s trust even if the community is in crisis.
As law enforcement agencies and officers are dealing with more extreme situations on a daily basis, the potential for conflict is increasing more now than ever before. The agency’s ability to handle the conflict and set forth a plan to make a change should be the priority. This will also build the morale within the agency and set forth the precedent the employee is important to the agency.
As law enforcement agencies want to protect their officers, it is important to adapt when new technologies are available. With the proper implementation and policies, BWCs can change many things for an agency and community. As law enforcement leaders it is important to understand the need for continual assessment and possible change. As leaders it is imperative to embrace change and not get stuck in the “old ways” of doing something. By doing this, the agency will be able to better serve and protect their community and employees.
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Organizational Change: El Paso County Sheriff's Office Transparent Communication in Law Enforcement
Conflict Resolution Implementation of Body Worn Cameras
Modern Criminology and Criminal Justice Issues
As law enforcement leaders in the 21st Century are faced with a magnitude of obstacles, there is an apparent urgency to the crime issue. In public opinion polls, crime and the fear of crime rank as the most significant issues communities are facing today. Some communities across the nation resemble war zones. Appropriately, local officials and administrators in the criminal justice system are responding to the issue of crime in all its complexity (Travis, 1995). As law enforcement leaders look to embrace the need for change to combat modern criminology and criminal justice issues, they will need to evaluate policing approaches and how the criminal justice system and community works together to meet the community’s public safety needs. Thus far in our course work, we have discussed and researched multiple topics that are applicable to this and are imperative for law enforcement leaders in the 21st Century. As criminology and criminal justice issues have evolved, it is important to understand how immigration is affecting violent crime rates in the United States, how law enforcement can combat multi-jurisdictional gang issues, how race relations and law enforcement can coexist, and how law enforcement and the community can promote change for our youth’s future. As a law enforcement leader I have seen just how important these issues are and understand the importance of being aware of them and utilizing community resources to help combat such changes and issues as we look to better serve our communities.
As a law enforcement leader I have seen multiple criminal justice issues and how much criminology has changed over the years. In the last several years the compounded relationship between black Americans and law enforcement has directly changed the way law enforcement operates on a daily basis. Knowing how to bridge that strained relationship will be key when creating a partnership between the organization and community. That partnership will continue to strive when developing programs and policy changes to empower at-risk youth of our communities. As law enforcement continues their investment into their community, this will further develop the community’s trust. This investment into our youth’s future will benefit the whole community short and long term.
As criminology has evolved over time it is important law enforcement organizations do the same. The development of a tri-state gang task force will also assist with the overwhelming need for prevention within our communities and create partnerships within each community. The partnership will be seen at the local, state, and federal level. Developing such a task force will have a direct impact on how our communities are affected by gang violence.
Lastly, as law enforcement leaders we know how immigration can affect us on a daily basis. Understanding the current research on immigration and crime rates will help guide us in what programs and resources should be utilized in our organizations. This understanding will impact the community and further enhance our mission for public safety.
As a law enforcement leader I have seen multiple criminal justice issues and how much criminology has changed over the years. In the last several years the compounded relationship between black Americans and law enforcement has directly changed the way law enforcement operates on a daily basis. Knowing how to bridge that strained relationship will be key when creating a partnership between the organization and community. That partnership will continue to strive when developing programs and policy changes to empower at-risk youth of our communities. As law enforcement continues their investment into their community, this will further develop the community’s trust. This investment into our youth’s future will benefit the whole community short and long term.
As criminology has evolved over time it is important law enforcement organizations do the same. The development of a tri-state gang task force will also assist with the overwhelming need for prevention within our communities and create partnerships within each community. The partnership will be seen at the local, state, and federal level. Developing such a task force will have a direct impact on how our communities are affected by gang violence.
Lastly, as law enforcement leaders we know how immigration can affect us on a daily basis. Understanding the current research on immigration and crime rates will help guide us in what programs and resources should be utilized in our organizations. This understanding will impact the community and further enhance our mission for public safety.
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Immigration and Elevated Violent Crime Rates in the United States Tri-State Gang Task Force Proposal
Race Relations and Law Enforcement Promoting Change for Our Youth's Future