Issue link: http://lawandordermag.epubxp.com/i/65600
UP-CLOSE: WOMEN IN LAW ENFORCEMENT Women In Leadership for promotions by studying the agency general orders, getting advancement training, reading law enforcement literature, and identifying a mentor for professional coaching. Mobility as a Career Advancement Strategy The higher the rank one aspires to a law enforcement profes- sional, particularly if one aspires to be a police chief, then the more likely it is he/she will need to consider mobility as a career advancement strategy. In a statistical study of women police chiefs, it was reported that two-thirds of the chiefs were no longer in agencies in which they had entered policing. Mobility as a career strat- egy requires planning and preparation that must involve the family's cooperation and support to be effective. Having a Mentor Mentoring programs are especially beneficial for female police officers. The idea of a mentor still remains the same, as one with experi- ence teaches, advises, and shares wisdom with one who hopes to hold the same or similar position as the more experienced individual. The more experienced and skilled person is known as the mentor while the less-skilled and inexperienced indi- vidual is known as a mentee or a protégé. Mentoring programs can either be initiated by an individual looking for advice or required by the agency that employs the individual. Mentor- ing has been identified as crucial to helping female law en- forcement officers advance. Many outcomes are seen as beneficial for the protégés in the law enforcement mentoring program such as: 1) increases likelihood for success – mentors help protégés gain compe- tency and avoid failure; 2) assists protégés in setting goals and charting career paths; 3) encourages and provides opportuni- ties for new experiences and professional growth; 4) helps the protégé avoid pitfalls and learn through real-life examples; 5) enhances the protégés' feelings of worth to the mentor and the organization; and 6) encourages self-confidence by celebrat- ing protégés' achievements. Family Life and Career Must Be Compatible The challenges, risks, and working hours of the law enforce- ment field are above and beyond what is required in most other professions. Therefore, all who aspire to these jobs or have them must balance family and career. Historically and currently ob- taining compatibility and balance with the law enforcement job is generally more challenging for women than men. For both men and women, no amount of career success is worth irreparable harm to the family. Having said that, a job that requires additional sacrifice and risks should be pursued with involvement, support and agreement with the members of one's immediate family. It is recommended that a written career plan be developed with input, feedback and the in- volvement of one's immediate family. Develop and Demonstrate Leadership Ability It is not necessary that someone occupy a formal leadership position to demonstrate the ability to lead. You lead from where you are. Leaders are needed on every level of an orga- nization. Whatever position you find yourself in, is where you should focus on currently making a difference. Your current job is the gateway to future opportunities. Therefore, focus on Click on EInfo at - www.lawandordermag.com reader service #38 76 LAW and ORDER I May 2012