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in a formal disciplinary hearing. The log is a tool, not to be used for personal vendet- tas or micro-managing officers. Don't Be a Micro-Manager Let your officers know you have confi- dence in them, don't ride in on every job or demand an explanation for every activity an officer completes on the tour. Know the difference between minor and major situations. If you ride in on a job, you can be considered as the officer in charge and have responsibility for the assignment. You can be tied into a knot if you as- sume responsibility for minor jobs. Let your officers handle them. If you do ride in on a minor job, keep quiet and observe from the "sidelines." Evalu- ate with the officers after. Step in, only when the job is handled poorly or can become a major incident. Improve Your Writing Skills Keep a pocket dictionary and Thesaurus in your briefcase and use them. Learn the dif- ference between Active and Passive Voices and write in the active voice. The Active voice is clearer and more direct. Learn more of Active and Passive voice on the Internet. Improve your skills with the computer. Seek a Mentor Listen to the advice of senior officers, re- spect their experiences. Use a mentor to self-evaluate your performance as a su- pervisor. Become a coach-mentor to your newer officers or any officer seeking as- sistance. Be a good listener. Be patient with officers questioning procedures or orders. Roll Call Make your roll calls interesting and worth- while. Try some of the following ideas: Before roll calls, check with your detective bureau or detectives for case updates, per- sons wanted or "of interest." Believe it or not, detectives are really glad to share the information, especially when you show an interest. You can even ask the detective or detective commander to come to the roll call to address the officers. Use roll call for short training or review sessions, especially in the area of rules and regulations, report writing or constitutional law. When asked a question to which you don't know the answer, answer honestly, and promise to get the correct answer. Develop Leadership Traits While hard to define, a good leader usu- ally has the following traits: is physically strong, has empathy, is intelligent and knowledgeable, is honest and impartial, is courageous, is imaginative, has strong faith and strong family ties, and is in- volved in the community. Albert J. Varga is a retired Deputy Chief of Police with the Hamilton, N.J. Police, and a past Police Director of the Lambertville, N.J. Police. He is a Senior Manager Consultant for Jersey Professional Management, Cranford, N.J. LaO Post your comments on this story by visiting www.lawandordermag.com NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF POLICE EQUIPMENT DISTRIBUTORS NAPED was created to bring together law enforcement distributors, industry professionals, and manufacturers to form a network for the purpose of mutually sharing the vast amounts of market experience, resources and product knowledge comprised within its membership. Networking NAPED conducts two general meetings each year, which offer Members numerous opportunities to network with nationwide industry peers. Education NAPED provides professional guest speakers at each of its general meetings. Our Benefits The primary goal of NAPED is to help its Members expand their markets and increase their profitability. To that end, membership in NAPED offers the following benefits. Support The ability of the Association's Members to lawfully work together and help each other has become a hallmark of the organization. Information NAPED provides its Members with information on customer trends, new products and tech- nologies, business and political issues affecting our Industry. NAPED publishes semi-annual electronic newsletters and timely industry related broadcast email communications. Business Resource Family Companies NAPED provides members access to business services and financial planning consulting firms that can assist in meeting the demands of an ever changing business environment. Collective Buying Power The NAPED General Members represent in excess of $800M in law enforcement equipment sales annually. Annual General Meeting & Conference NAPED presents a conference and trade show every spring where General Members can spend personal time with key, decision making personnel from leading law enforcement product manufacturing companies. Click on EInfo at - www.lawandordermag.com reader service #25 www.lawandordermag.com 57