Law Enforcement Agencies Compared to Military Leadership Development

A few years ago, I conducted a leadership seminar, which drew sergeants or above.  In 100% of the cases, no one had been a training to prepare them for the next level.  In several cases, attendees have been promoted to sergeant and again to Lieutenant with absolutely no training or opportunity to learn and understand the jobs they had been given.

Policing is based on a para-military structure, right? What does this have to do with leadership?

Our police agencies were created using the rank structure of military units.  There are Chiefs, Colonels, Majors, Commanders, Captains, Lieutenants and Sergeants.   

Police agencies claim to follow a military approach, but on the surface law enforcement has not kept up, with the military, in leader development or education expectations.  Certainly, money plays a role in this, as when budgets get tight, quite often training is the first to be trimmed. 

There are few requirements for promotion.  Sometimes a test is required, an Assessment Center is convened.  Few agencies have insisted on education or required courses before promotion.

One needs only to surf the Internet for each branch of military service to see a sophisticated program for development service members, at both the enlisted and officer levels.

There are few standards for law enforcement supervisors and managers across the country.  If we are to develop leaders shouldn’t training be a requirement before promotion?  Certainly shortly after promotion! Shouldn’t agencies be investing in the development of their people?

What can be learned from the military approach?

The U.S. Navy has created a Leadership Continuum offers the following in their Strategic Plan, to develop leadership mindsets at varying ranks:

•        Trusted Leaders
•        Motivational Leaders
•         Inspirational Leaders
•          Visionary Leaders

Investing in the professional development of our personnel should be a top priority.  Planning for the future and for succession is essential for the health of our agencies.

I welcome your thoughts on this matter.

All the best,

Steve Morreale

Worcester State University

Source: Navy Leader Development Strategy, 2013