BOOKS AND BADGES
Think Again : The Power of Knowing What You Don ’ t Know By : Adam Grant
At first glance , Think Again by Adam Grant would not be on a list of recommended books for law enforcement leaders to read . Yet after reading his book , I would certainly add it to my list .
Chief Billy Grogan Dunwoody PD
Grant is an organizational psychologist , and he explores the science behind changing your mind and understanding what you do not know . He also dives into how to persuade others to change their mind . Think Again will spark the reader ’ s curiosity , help you understand the preconceived notions and assumptions you bring to your decision-making , and help organizations more closely examine why they do what they do .
Having the ability to re-think your position has never been more critical than it is today . The changing landscape of law enforcement , combined with the multitude of legislation introduced in states across the country and federally , indicates change is coming . I am reminded of a great quote about police officers and change .
“ Police officers hate change and the way things are .” Still , we must adapt , and that might mean changing how we think .
When I was researching the 50th Anniversary book of the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police , I discovered an article written right after the Miranda v . Arizona ruling . The author of the article criticized the Supreme Court and its ruling and believed the ruling was the end of law enforcement as we know it and that no suspect would ever confess to a crime again .
Of course , we know his prophecy did not come true . In fact , the Miranda case had a positive impact in reducing the police abuse of suspects rampant across the country . Today , we believe Miranda v . Arizona helped law enforcement because our thinking has changed .
When it comes to our opinion and the opinion of others , Grant describes how we take on the role of three professions : preacher , prosecutor , and politician . We operate in preacher mode to protect and promote our ideals . We move to
28 SUMMER . 2021