EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ’ S REPORT
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ’ S REPORT
MITCHELL C . SKLAR
Gettysburg and After
The New Jersey Police Chief Magazine | November 2023
From September 29 – October 1 , the NJSACOP conducted this year ’ s Staff Ride for Law Enforcement at the national park in Gettysburg , PA . Naturally , the program focused on the historic battle that took place in July 1863 . The leaders at the Battle of Gettysburg faced problems all too familiar to the modern police executive — internal politics , working with often unreliable information , juggling a shortage of manpower and resources , getting people with diverse personalities to work together for a common goal . The decisions they made in the face of these obstacles provide a range of leadership lessons for today ’ s leader .
Gettysburg was the bloodiest battle in the American Civil War with around 50,000 casualties , and it marked one of the war ’ s turning-points . Over the three days of fighting , victory hung in the balance , as the commanders ’ individual strengths and weaknesses caused the battle to swing first one way then the other .
In many ways , the battle provides a laboratory to explore contemporary issues including strategic thinking , decisiveness , empowerment , succession management , personal projection , communication , acting under pressure , and the use of new technology . As always on our Staff Rides , the attendees had a very enjoyable time while at the same time studying and contemplating these issues .
With over 40 attendees , this was one of our largest groups for one of our Staff Ride programs . The fact that this year ’ s program coincided with the 160 th anniversary year of the battle added to the experience , ensuring that this was a special event in a special place at a special time .
A special thanks is owed to our facilitators Prof . Pat Schuber and Jim Hessler , whose expertise make this program possible .
Times change , but truly some issues are eternal , and how those who came before us confronted those issues can provide us with valuable lessons . The Association will continue to mine the great events from our nation ’ s past , drawing contemporary lessons from the experiences of leaders ( and those they led ) who shaped that past by their actions and decisions . We hope you will consider joining us at a future program ( next year ’ s session will be conducted September 27 – 29 , 2024 ). While we cannot guarantee it will take place on a date of the magnitude as did this year ’ s Staff Ride , you can be certain it will be a moving , educational and enjoyable experience .
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