STAFF DEVELOPMENT
Organized Book Discussions
A fundamental requirement of police leaders is to continually develop personnel at all ranks within their organization and prepare them for future challenges . While the development of each employee varies according to their individual needs , the goal is to ensure each is working to achieve their established goals , improve department operations , and strengthen the organizational culture . This process must be done in a deliberate , focused manner .
One staff development approach some agencies have effectively implemented is the use of organized book discussions . These programs may go by a variety of names such as book discussions , book clubs or reading lists . The idea is to gather
68 SUMMER . 2021 staff together to review a common publication , discuss the ideas covered , and determine how they can be applied to the department ’ s operations . The purpose is to introduce new concepts , materials , and ideas into the department ’ s operations and build a stronger , more cohesive leadership program and culture . This article describes the different approaches agencies have utilized to implement these programs .
Every agency is at different stages in their professional evolution . One of the greatest benefits of this program comes from staff in different levels and parts of the department coming together , having discussions , and learning from different perspectives .
One department that implemented a reading program served a community that was experiencing considerable growth and change . Most officers only had a high school diploma and limited formal training . A new chief had been selected with a mandate to significantly change the organizational culture to match the evolving demands of its community . This program helped provide officers with the knowledge required to implement the needed changes . People who wanted to be part of the organizational changes or move up , engaged in the process . Others who could not meet the evolving demands of the agency eventually left .
Another agency , that already had a strong reputation for being very