The NJ Police Chief Magazine Volume 26, Number 2 | Page 17

The New Jersey Police Chief Magazine | October 2019
Lead, or Led, or Lead
Chief Joseph H. Eisenhardt, Jr., MPA (Ret.), Barrington Police Department
Ahhh, the wonders of the English language never cease to amaze. When you read the title did you read "Lead, or Led, or
Lead"; or did you read "Lead, or Led, or Lead"? Truth be told, the title is "Lead, or Led, or Lead"!
All those in positions of leadership are not automatically leaders. When you were sworn in as the Police Chief there was not an
immediate transformation like when a light switch is turned on or off. Sadly, many police "leaders" at the various tiers of the
chain of command are not leaders; and many of the younger officers are influenced, all too often negatively, by these same
"leaders".
I remember as a young patrol officer joking that once a senior officer was promoted where a white shirt was exchanged for a
blue shirt that the uniform manufacturers intentionally made the collars four sizes smaller than was needed so that when the
top button was buttoned the shirt was so tight that blood could not circulate to the brain. This joke was not directed at anyone
in particular, but came from the cynicism that develops in cops once the reality of what we have to endure everyday sets in. I
was as guilty of this as I was wrong in my immature assessment of what is truly a very difficult job.
Having worked under five Chiefs before having the extreme honor of becoming Chief, it became abundantly clear that no police
officer knows what it is like to sit in the chair of the Police Chief until such time that he or she sits there as Chief. During my 32
year career, my favorite position was Chief; and yes, there are some days that I miss it.
As Chief, do you lead the department with integrity, honor, loyalty, dedication, striving to do "the right thing at the right time,
in the right way, and for the right reason" 1 no matter what? Or are you led by what may be the easiest path to follow, wanting
to be liked by others, tossed to and fro by whatever happens to be popular at the moment, not wanting to rock the boat,
following someone else's example even if it is not appropriate, being inconsistent in the application of the rules (this does not
mean being inflexible but it does mean showing favoritism), failing to lead by example, being unduly driven by the "rumor mill"
and the list goes on? Or do you sink like lead when adversity strikes, problems develop, conflict exists, and the list goes on?
Do you lead, are you led, or do you sink like lead?
Recent events have made even more of an impact on the critical importance of this question as the trend of negativity from
some toward the police has intensified. Now officers need to look to their leaders more than ever for direction, support,
guidance, and confidence in their ability to protect and serve the community.
Consider the instances where officers have performed heroically in a critical incident only to be vilified in the press and by
some in the community immediately. As investigations are conducted and officers are brought before the court, those same
people we are sworn to protect take to the streets protesting. Violence erupts, yet the police remain as that thin blue line
between order and chaos. In time, over and over again, the officer(s) involved are cleared of any wrongdoing; yet is there
ever an apology offered to the officer(s), the officer(s)'s family, or the department? How many promising careers have been
ruined because the officer(s) were tried in the court of public opinion instead of through due process?
Consider the alarming number of officers who have been executed for no reason other than for wearing the uniform. Too many
think this is a justified response when tragic events occur. But police officers do not gather in violent protest. We mourn our
fallen brethren in unity then return to our communities having to put aside the heaviness of the loss of one or our own.
Consider the NYPD officers who had to endure the humiliation of having buckets of water dumped on them. These officers
walked away appearing to have "their tails between their legs". Why?
Consider the recent hostage standoff in Philadelphia. Six officers were shot, and innocent residents of the neighborhood were
in danger because of the gunfire. Because of the fine work of the Philadelphia Police Department and assisting law
enforcement agencies, the incident ended peacefully when the suspect surrendered. Arrestees and officers in the hot zone
were rescued safely; but while all of this was unfolding many of the gathered crowd taunted the officers. Leadership made the
difference.
Consider the alarming number of mass shootings that seem to be happening almost everyday. While terrified civilians are
fleeing for their lives, heroic officers are moving toward the threat. Many times the incident ends when the shooter is
confronted, given the order to surrender, but ultimately decide that the police have no choice but to kill them. 2
Consider that these examples could continue endlessly, but that is not the purpose of this article. Do you lead, are you led, or
are you lead?
As Chief, are you truly the leader of the department? This does not mean forcing all of the officers to address you as "Chief"
thinking that a title defines one as a leader. Does each member of your agency, sworn and civilian, know with confidence that
you are driven by what is best for them, the department, and the community?
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