having an incident that could spark public outrage . One such example would be failure to adequately train personnel due to underfunding . That kind of dialog with community leaders will highlight the need for adequate funding and help illustrate budget justifications .
To sum up : a degree of trust must exist between the governing body , the general public and the agency . That can be achieved through community policing , and building partnerships within the community , and is absolutely essential . It will give you opportunities to explain your needs and solicit local support . Having the support of community leaders and the public will go a long way in delivering your budget over the finish line .
Nealie McCormick has been with the City of Pelham since 1978 and was promoted the Chief of Police in 1985 . Chief McCormick sits on several state level committees including the Council of American Indian Concerns where Chief McCormick was appointed by the Governor , appointed by the Georgia Supreme Court to Justice for Children Committee , The International Chiefs of Police Community Policing Committee and also serves as President of the Governor ’ s Interstate Indian Council . Chief McCormick is also 2018 graduate of Georgia International Law Enforcement Exchange Program ( GILEE ).
It seems that almost every year there is a need to “ tighten our belts ” or get “ more lean ” when it comes to budgets . Money is always in short supply , and our current challenging climate has once again put us in the position of defending our budget requests .
Budgets are not constructed in a vacuum . There is a lot of competition for resources , but it ’ s not the “ Hunger Games .” As a Chief Executive , it is your responsibility to locate the resources you need to effectively do your job . As I see it , there are two key components to effectively defending your budget needs . First , you must develop an effective , professional relationship with your Manager , Mayor , and Council . Secondly , you must use every opportunity to educate the decision-makers on why your requests are so important to effectively running your operation . First let ’ s talk a little bit about building a relationship . Like any relationship , it requires a commit ment from you , and a willingness to reasonably give and take . This applies not just to the budgeting process , but to all of those requests throughout the year that come your way . If you obstinately refuse to fulfill any Council requests , are they likely to go out of their way to accommodate your budget requests ? It isn ’ t a question of “ giving in ” all the time , you certainly must refuse to do anything that challenges your integrity , but pick your battles . You are not always going to get your way , but by being willing to work alongside the Manager , etc , they are less likely to see everything as a fight . If you only talk to the Mayor when you need something , you are not developing a relationship . It takes nurturing , just like any other relationship . When it comes time to start developing the budget , human nature dictates that we work much more effectively with those with whom we get along than with those whom we dislike or distrust . Relationships are built over time , with consistency and attention .
Secondly , you must work to educate your community ’ s leadership about police protocols , technological upgrades , etc . and
With the current fiscal and political pressures on local officials , how do you best defend your budget requests ?
SPRING . 2021 33