“My Police Philosophy as Chief of Police”
Posted: Sunday, July 24, 2011
by Reinaldo Irizarry, Sr.
Thru-out my 26-year career as a police officer, my philosophy has always been to hold myself as well as others accountable to the highest standard for quality, timely, and cost-effective result, and to pass it on to my subordinates. Always prepared to meet the need of customer’s service both internal and external, strongly believing in been decisive in keeping myself well informed in making effective and timely decisions with limited data. Always keeping an open mind, in applying flexibility for change and striving for new information to adapt rapidly for changing trends.
As a former Captain of Operations and Patrol with the Greater Los Angeles area Veterans Affairs Police Services, I experienced the responsibilities in helping run a progressive police Department similar, and comparable to a regular Metropolitan Police Force.
I am a follower of the highest standard in ethics and my philosophy is to be responsible, honest, display consistency in exercising integrity, and honesty when dealing with people. Always leading by example, and expecting all staff members to do the same. My skills as a Police officer throughout my career, has shown me the proper way in which to treat others in taking the approach of displaying courtesy, people sensitivity with a high degree of respect.
As Chief of Police Personnel, one of the most important needs is to give your staff direct, and clear precise oral communication to filter down to the lower chain of command. Always treating them with respect, curtsey, and honesty; while exhibiting a high degree of compassion with understanding in order for your personnel to respond with a receptive and a positive attitude.
All leaders and supervisor are problem solver. Always ready, and willing to identify, analyze problems, considering, relevance, and accuracy on information, which has been, gather. Always ready to recommend possible solutions to erase existing problems.
As effective leader, supervisor must have the resilience to recover quickly from setbacks. Springing back quickly to deal effectively with ongoing pressure surrounding his job is important while remaining optimistic, and persistent under rival.
While writing memos, letters of commendations, letters of reprimand or dismissal, the Chief, Supervisors, or appointed staff officer, must have a well, and understood method of written skills in communication to have the employee personnel understand them. The message must be clear, precise, well organized, and understandable in order for the audience to accept it.
As an experience supervisor, both in the local and federal system, I always stressed the importance in encouraging, and fostering the right for people to offer, and expressed their differences of opinion. Taking steps in applying taught experience conflict management to prevent counterproductive confrontations concerning hostile incidents involving Police Officers.
Always encouraging police personnel to learn how to assess their strengths, and weaknesses by acquiring training reflecting on their profession; Suggesting self-development in a continual learning process, which will give them precondition, and the prerequisite necessary for achieving higher standards and levels of education during their career. This encouragement will help employees seek out better ways to perform tasks in a better and shorter time.
Affording them the opportunity to apply, initiative, creativity, and innovation in a progressive way in approaching problems affecting the police service; In addition, reminding them the importance in questioning conventional approaches and encouraging them to look for new ideas and innovations. Periodically having supervisory meetings, to make them aware of the importance in teaching and preparing their personnel to meet new challenges that laid ahead of them by performing and contributing to the organization;
Giving them the opportunity and a sense of belonging to the organization helping develop others to offer suggestions and ideas with issues concerning their organization; In addition, reminding Police Supervisors as well as Police personnel the importance in having a good working relation with the labor bargaining unions because they are part of the employees protection process.
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