The mission at Thin Blue Line of Leadership is to simply inspire law enforcement leaders to be better than they were yesterday. Sharing positive leadership tactics and creating a positive law enforcement culture are on-going commitments that must be nurtured and developed over time by anyone in a law enforcement leadership position.

The ideas below are simple, but not easy. They take both effort and time. These are all things that are within your control by making the most of your actions, your attitude, and your effort as a leader. Current research is showing that it is not about the big grandiose gestures, but the consistent small actions that those you are leading come to trust about you.

Here are 10 Law Enforcement Leadership Commandments . . .

1. Emphasize good culture over rules. Good culture within the organization or squad will take care of the rules. Be intentional about what you are creating.
2. Create and train your officers to be the next leaders of the organization. Develop them through your mentorship. Leadership development starts the moment they are hired.
3. Remember your “why” and share it often. Know your officers’ “why” and don’t let them forget it. This is the fuel that will get them through a 20+ year career.
4. Your officers will only be as good as they are trained to be. Work to create a culture of humility and learning.
5. Emphasize the value in doing the right thing at the right time for the right reasons.
6. Teach your officers not to operate in fear when their intent is pure.
7. Recognize, reward, and promote good police work as a matter of routine. Remember, your officers long for attention, appreciation, and acceptance.
8. Be purposeful in your briefings. Don’t let the little time you have with the whole squad go to waste.
9. Create influence through contact, communication, and connection. Then you will get their contribution. Get out from behind the desk and handle some calls with them.
10. You will succeed the most through your officers succeeding. Don’t put personal gain above their needs.

Have something that you would have added to this list? Share your thoughts or comments with us below or on our Facebook page. Continue saving the world one call at a time and as always, LEAD ON!