Transforming Police Leadership in the '90s

Abstract

As society changes at a rapid pace it becomes apparent that government must respond and change as well. In light of the Rodney King “Incident” in Los Angeles in March, 1991, and its aftermath a year later, the need for change in law enforcement is very evident. Police organizations can no longer carry on with their traditional approaches to the delivery of police services. Before exterior changes can be made, however, police leaders need to closely examine how they manage their organizations. This paper examines where police leadership is today and suggests where it should be headed in the future. Called for is a “Transformation” away from a traditional authoritarian management style to a leadership model that builds an organizational culture based on values, ethics, and a partnership with employees.