OFFICER SELECTION , TRAINING Due to a significant staffing shortage , our organization spent the last two years focusing on recruitment . During our recruitment process , we carefully selected our new officers . Although recouping our staffing was difficult , we managed to successfully recover . Of our authorized 29 sworn officers , we hired 13 , with only 2 being laterals .
From an organizational perspective , our FTO program was bearing a tremendous responsibility . We viewed this an opportunity to develop and mentor each of our new officers into what we believed would be a model law enforcement professional .
During our staffing crises , our veteran officers remained committed and loyal to our organization . Although they sacrificed time from their families because of the need to work numerous hours of overtime to fill vacant shifts , yet they continued to support our organizational goals while honorably serving our community . To have a successful FTO program , we recognized that we needed their work ethic . Through frequent meetings and discussions with our veteran officers and FTO supervisors , we all agreed on the importance of us being the example . Our veteran officers worked tirelessly and , as result of their hard work , they are now working side-by-side with the new officers that they trained , while continuing to mentor and develop them through their probationary periods and beyond . They are now able to see that their sacrifices were not in vain .
ONE CALL FOR SERVICE , ONE CONTACT AT A TIME I am often asked , “ With everything going on , how can we make a difference ?” My answer is simple , “ One call for service , and one contact at a time .” More now than ever , how we provide service and how we respond to our community ' s needs and concerns , should be our top priority . We must embrace the importance of establishing trustworthy relationships , and we must be consistently conscious of how our decisions and actions are crucial in our commitment to providing service in an appropriate and humane manner .
As individuals we must personally hold ourselves accountable for our actions , recognizing that how we treat people influences how society views law enforcement as ONE BODY . Our nation is waiting for us to be better and our communities are depending on us to do the right thing . Regardless of race , ethnicity , or social status and struggles , we must value and respect human life . We must be the example !
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Eddie Anderson is a commander with the Marina Police Department , currently assigned to Patrol Operations Division . He has been with the department for 23 years and has served as an SRO , field training officer , patrol sergeant , motor sergeant , SWAT operator , and commander .
WINTER 2020 | CALIFORNIA POLICE CHIEF 25