GACP 1st Quarter Newsletter 2020 2020_1stQrtrNewsletter | Page 4

Leadership Impact on Police Recruiting By: Chief Dan Flynn, Marietta Police Department Recruiting sufficient numbers of new police officer applicants who are physically, mentally and morally fit to serve has always been a challenge. Today, however, it is more difficult than ever, mainly as a result of anti-police bias in the mainstream news media. Many employment decision makers and administrators feel the only way to counter negative hiring trends and fill mounting numbers of police vacancies is by increasing salary and incentives, and sadly in some cases, lowering hiring standards. In the short run, these kinds of strategies may help a little, but too many police agencies continue to have large numbers of vacancies even after implementing these changes. With so many unfilled positions, remaining officers have to pick up the slack and often suffer burnout and all of its negative consequences. Consider that many of the 20-40 year old age group were educated in an atmosphere where everyone who participated in a sport received a trophy, win or lose. Meanwhile, parents told their growing children how special they were, whether they were or weren’t; and teachers and college professors told them they each had the potential to change the world overnight. Therefore, it is no wonder that those who aspire to careers in public safety become disillu- sioned when they learn in advance of applying, or shortly after being hired, of old style managers and supervisors who are quick to get in their faces and correct them, sometimes in harsh terms even in routine situations. In reality, the 20-40 year old group is prone to ask more questions and expect answers, and they are accustomed to receiving positive individual attention with better two-way communication than their predecessors. It is not that the newest group(s) can’t become strong, dedicated, patriotic police officers, it is just that we need to communicate with them in a different way. Remember, police departments do not have the rank of private. Privates in the military are not expected to ask questions; officers are. www.gachiefs.com • Page 4 • 1st Quarter Newsletter