March 2026 | The New Jersey Police Chief Magazine 43
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They should also create small, micro-teams to address these concerns in a creative environment with a low entry barrier. Getting officers to work together to solve even the most minor issues creatively improves morale and individual sense of accomplishment.
Creativity needs to become an integral part of the profession ' s identity. This downstreams to future creative leaders, not only rule followers. With psychological safety and creativity, we get an innovative culture and long-term fulfillment. This culture fosters community trust, engagement, officer satisfaction, and a healthier, happier workforce— not just for one year, but for an entire career. Law enforcement ' s future will not be defined by policy alone, but by the creativity of the people brave enough to imagine something better.
About the author
Ian Spohn is a 19-year veteran of the Hawthorne Police Department and currently serves as the Sergeant assigned to the Detective Bureau. He spent the first nine years of his career in the Patrol Division, where he specialized in community policing initiatives and addressing quality-of-life concerns. For the past ten years, Detective Sergeant Spohn has served in the Detective Bureau, taking on a wide range of investigative, supervisory, and departmental leadership roles.
In addition to his investigative responsibilities, he serves as the department’ s Resiliency Program Officer Coordinator, Community Programs Coordinator, Police Academy Instructor, and Supervisor of the Hiring and Recruitment Committee. Over nearly two decades of service, he has built a reputation for professionalism, mentorship, and innovative approaches to officer wellness and community engagement.
Detective Sergeant Spohn earned his master’ s degree in 2024 and is an avid reader committed to continuous learning, leadership development, and advancing modern policing practices.
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