What makes a good Chief ?

[srz]

I sort of asked this at the end of another thread but I'd be interested in hearing from more of you. I do appreciate ChesCo's response on why a chief becomes removed from his officers. I'd like to know after reading the glowing reports of the Chitwoods (Sr and Jr) What makes a good Chief? What would make one stand tall among his officers? What would make a Chief, an Officers Officer?

[LA5150]

In my opinion? Here are a few things that come to mind immediately:

A great chief is someone who hasn't lost touch with what it's like to be a patrol cop, and doesn't bend to political or "community" pressure. A great chief would be one who clearly supports his (or her) troops without any slick double talk, and takes a stand for them when they are being bashed by the media.

A great chief is fair when handing out discipline, and holds himself and his lackeys to the same standards as he expects of his patrol officers.

A great chief would make sure that officers are well equiped with functioning equipment and technology in good working order. He wouldn't spend millions on new equipment that sucks worse than the old. He would also not waste money on questionable crap (like commissioning a new flashlight design just for the department :rolleyes: Hello, Chief Bratton?), and would instead spend it on proven equipment and technology to make our jobs easier.





Of course, in today's day and age I think the above is nearly impossible. Chiefs are concerned about keeping their jobs (as we all are), and they have to play the polical game to do it. So, I think that if they are an "officer's officer" and are firm in their support of the department through thick and thin, then they get replaced. Too many people would be howling for their necks, and the city council and mayor will look for someone more malleable they can "work with." :rolleyes:

[ChesCopPodz]

A good chief is one that puts his/her officers above the urge to give in to "public demand". Gets them the best equipment he can with the budget he's given.

LA5150 hit it on the head.

And unfortunately, very few chiefs, especially those at departments with, say 50 officers or more, do that. Usually the ones who fall in that category are at departments so small, the chief still has to go on patrol

[Clint]

I can't think of a good reason. Once they pass the rank of Captain, they forget where they came from and the direction they are going. It's all for one and the one is the "Chief".

[StandBy]

I can't think of a good reason. Once they pass the rank of Captain, they forget where they came from and the direction they are going. It's all for one and the one is the "Chief".

+1
I totally agree!!!!!!

[ChesCopPodz]

I can't think of a good reason. Once they pass the rank of Captain, they forget where they came from and the direction they are going. It's all for one and the one is the "Chief".

Very true, but I'd lower it even a bit more to LT. Sgts still have contact with the road, but once you go to LT (or start wearing the white shirt as it is at my dept), you've firmly decided to go the command staff route. While your patrol days aren't too far in the past, LT's kiss butt like nobody's business to show that they aren't cops anymore, and are therefore promotable.

[kels]

A set of BALLS (applies to lady chiefs also)

The ability to stand up and yell BULLMANURE when the mayor and council
want something assine.

I have worked for a chief who was an ex road deputy and he was a good boss.
I have worked for a chief who was a over educated college boy and very little road time. He was a heck of a boss.

The problem with a lot of cops who become bosses, is what they have to give up to get that job. Selling your soul so to speak...............