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LEADERSHIP/ROLE OF POLICE <br /> <br />My leadership philosophy has changed some over the years. I have learned that a <br />good leader must be able to persuade others or sell them on a program or idea. A <br />good manager shows employees that he or she is willing to do anything that they <br />would ask an employee to do. They also have to treat their employees as if they were <br />their "customers". We treat our "customers" right, and they will in turn treat those <br />they come into contact with in a fair and courteous manner. The old style paramilitary <br />leadership which most police departments are now going away from, is not conducive <br />to community orientated policing. <br /> <br />Police agencies still must maintain a rank structure within their organization which <br />facilitates the daily duties. The general nature of police work requires this type of <br />structure. Without it armed confrontations, high risk situations and other hazardous <br />matters would be difficult to deal with. A manager in these situations must be <br />respected and listened to - it is not a time to sell ideas. <br /> <br />Community policing however requires a whole new style of leadership. The police <br />department can not go into the community and order the citizens to take part in a <br />project. You have to be able to sell the idea, convince your community that their best <br />interest is at mind. Working with and listening to concerns brings about a sense of <br />empowerment which brings with it respect and understanding. <br /> <br />Proactive involvement, interaction with community groups, active ties with schools, <br />neighborhoods and civic arenas is the key to police departmental success as we near <br />the millenium. Police are no longer looked at just being the enforcers, but as a <br />community resource and a positive factor in our ever changing society. <br /> <br />My current style of leadership is a strong influencing type. My tendencies include: <br /> Contacting people, working in groups <br /> Making favorable impressions <br /> Verbalizing with articulateness <br /> Creating motivational environments <br /> Generating enthusiasm <br /> Viewing situations optimistically <br /> <br />My action plans include: <br /> Developing systematic approaches <br /> Demonstrating individual follow-through <br /> Taking logical approaches <br /> Speaking directly <br /> Seeking facts <br /> Concentrating on the task <br /> <br />I feel this demonstrated style of leadership is favorable for the community orientated <br />policing style and as such would make me an asset to the City of Elk River. <br /> <br /> <br />