So You Want to be the Top Cop?

After working with the Marietta Police Department for almost 15 years and attaining the rank of Lieutenant, I still had not identified my long-term career goals.  Frankly, I only thought about my next promotion.  In my case, I was trying to figure out how to get promoted to Captain.  Outside of that thought, I was clueless.

Until I met Chief Bobby Moody.

Chief Moody took over the Marietta Police Department on July 1, 1996, as our police chief and my life changed forever.

For the first time ever, a supervisor asked me about my plans for the future.  Chief Moody actually sat down with me and pressed me about my future career plans until I finally figured them out and answered him out loud.  I want to be a police chief!  I actually said it out loud and there was some relief in actually having a goal.  (I will discuss more about my talk with Chief Moody in future posts)

My enthusiasm was short lived.  Reality set in.

As I gathered information and conducted research about how to best prepare myself to be selected as a police chief, I found there were few resources available.

I was very fortunate in that I had a police chief who invested in me and provided many opportunities for me to grow, which helped me move closer to achieving my ultimate goal.  I also studied successful police chiefs and their paths to success.  Over time, I identified specific characteristics of successful police chiefs and the paths they took to be appointed to their positions.  This information helped me prepare for the Top Cop position I so desired.

On December 17, 2008, I was sworn in as the first ever Chief of Police of the Dunwoody Police Department achieving a career goal I first established 12 years earlier in 1996.  During my almost nine years serving as chief, I have had the opportunity to help many officers achieve their career goals.

I have also had the privilege of providing guidance to many law enforcement leaders both inside and outside my department who are interested in becoming a police chief themselves.  I love helping others achieve their goals and be successful.

Even 12 years after my conversation with Chief Bobby Moody, there are still few resources specifically designed for aspiring police chiefs, especially a resource that covers new supervisors, command staffs and even police chiefs wanting to change jobs.

I want this website to be that go to resource for aspiring police chiefs and law enforcement leaders alike.

I have been thinking of developing the Top Cop Leadership website for many years.  After speaking with many up and coming leaders over the years, I believe a large percentage of them can benefit from the information I will provide on this website.

Please sign up below if you would like to receive information that will help you achieve success in your law enforcement career.