Issue link: http://lawandordermag.epubxp.com/i/74973
UP-CLOSE: POLICE MANAGEMENT SUMMARY Street smarts and book learning come together in the position of sergeant. Here are tips for the first line supervisor. Advice For Sergeants OLD ADVICE FOR NEW SERGEANTS First line supervision…one of the toughest jobs in policing. By Albert Varga F Sgt. Troy Fowlkes of the Eatontown, N.J. Police Department advises first line supervisors to avoid micro-managing. Base of Knowledge or the new or old first line supervisors, here are highlights from police supervision courses, interviews of road sergeants, and opinions from criminal justice professors – ideas for first line supervisors in patrol. Mentally Prepare Keep abreast of current events, read more than your local news- paper. It is essential to be aware of local events in the town you patrol. Become an avid reader to improve your knowledge and increase your communication skills. Read biographies of success- ful persons and military leaders. Develop your game plan. Accept and be pleased that you are now part of the bigger picture. Write down your goals in your plan and refer to them. Be enthusiastic. Start Each Day "Squared Away" Plan and participate in a physical exercise regimen. Leaders are generally considered to be in good physical condition. This will boost your confidence and improve your inner self. Upgrade or clean your gear, uniform, shoes. They should at least be above average in appearance. You don't have to be "spit and polish." Keep reports and logs up to date. Advance Your Education Go back to school to refresh or obtain a higher degree. Learn a foreign language. Volunteer for any training that will increase or renew skills. Be an enthusiastic learner. 56 LAW and ORDER I July 2012 Review and be knowledgeable of the following: Department rules and regulations, labor contracts, especially the grievance and discipline processes, criminal and motor vehicle laws, emergency management protocols. Talk with other supervisors on how they handle discipline and grievances. Know Your Officers Get to know the officers who will be in your squad or unit. Review your officers' backgrounds regarding education, years of service, special citations, work record. Plan an individual in- terview with each officer in your charge, ask about goals, fam- ily, hobbies, and training they received, areas of expertise they might have, but above all, listen to what they say. They will appreciate an opportunity to be heard. Let them know you will have to evaluate each officer and let them know you will be fair and unbiased. They should be told what you expect for performance. Never discipline or criticize an officer in front of other officers. Show empa- thy when an officer comes to you with a personal problem. Keep a Daily Log Each day you are on duty you should make notes of all signifi- cant activities and any important involvement with the officers, positive or negative. The log is an important source to recall per- formances by the officers for the quarterly or annual evaluations. Don't use the log for trivia matters such as coffee breaks, etc. Don't write anything in the log that will embarrass you or your officers. Officers may have the right to see those comments