Law Enforcement Leaders In The 21st Century

Law enforcement leaders of the 21st Century have a hard road to pave as past occurrences have lessened the trust given to them. New, innovative strategies are being used in which to allow these leaders to regain their trust with lower level officers and the public. They are also working to build healthy working relationships, manage dissent, and use evidence-based management. In order to have a strong department and manage crime effectively, law enforcement must have a strong group of leaders to manage and control any issues that come up.

Thesis Statement

How 21st century law enforcement leaders are evaluated and how they are addressed as "trusted leaders". The challenges and strategies that are used in evaluation and how they build healthy

If they do no breed an environment of trust, there will be an outbreak of corruption in an agency that is designed to fight crime and help the public in times of need. For other officers to follow their leader, they must first see that the leader is credible, has in depth knowledge of the profession, reliable, has personal courage, integrity, empathy, decisiveness, common sense, impartiality, communication skills, broad vision, a willingness to obtain input, and a willingness to examine both pros and cons. (Garner, 2016).

* Credibility- Employees must know that the leader will tell them the truth

* Knowledge of profession- Trust that the leader will make good decisions based on the depth of knowledge they have within their profession.

* Reliability- When a leader says they will do something, they must follow through and prove reliable.

* Personal courage- Even if a necessary decision will anger people or disappoint them, a leader must have the courage to make this decision anyway, if the facts indeed require it.

* Integrity-A leader must make the right decisions for the right reasons, regardless of how the decision will affect them

It is important for law enforcement leaders to understand that some of these qualities they are not "born with" and some take time to learn. For a leader to be fully trusted and relied upon, they must encompass at least a small tip of each of these, especially in life or death situations. It is also important that a law enforcement not make unnecessary compromise or get emotionally overcharged as this will take away trust value with the officers beneath. Law enforcement leaders represent their agencies just as officers represent their superiors. There is an analogy that being a leader mimics the responsibilities of that of a parent. Whatever decisions are made at the top, good or bad, will reflect on down the line. A child trusts their parent to make the best decisions in their best interest and does not question the results. A good law enforcement leader will always focus on equity, effectiveness, and efficiency; focusing on ethical standards and meeting goals. This will ensure trust within the agency and officers will know that no matter the decision, they are in good hands. They will understand that the person above them, in charge of making decisions, has their best interest at heart and is not out for personal