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internal or external candidates

State and Local Restrictions Create a Police Chief Hiring Challenge

For most police chief searches, the process is pretty straightforward. If so inclined, the city manager or Mayor just picks the police chief from an internal candidate pool. Usually, though, the job is advertised, and internal and external candidates apply. However, the hiring authority has no choice in some states and cities as the candidate pool is limited to internal candidates only. For example, the City of Akron's recent announcement that it will only consider internal candidates for the next chief of police highlights a significant challenge posed by a little-known state law. This law mandates that all vacancies above the entry-level in safety forces must be filled internally, a revelation that surfaced during legal consultations. Akron’s decision brings several challenges and considerations regarding local governance and police administration to light. Legal Restrictions and Local Governance The primary challenge stems from the legal straitjacket the city finds itself in due to state law. While the city charter usually allows some leeway, stating that promotions should occur internally "whenever practicable," it does not conflict significantly enough with state law to provide any room for maneuver. This legal backdrop restricts the city's ability to select its top officials based on a broader…

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Create a winning resume

Elevate Your Career: Tips for Creating a Winning Resume as an Aspiring Police Chief

Introduction In the competitive landscape of law enforcement leadership, aspiring police chiefs need to equip themselves with a resume that highlights their qualifications and sets them apart from other candidates. Crafting a winning resume requires careful attention to detail and a strategic approach to showcasing relevant skills and experiences. This article will explore seven essential tips for creating a standout resume tailored specifically for aspiring police chief candidates. From customization and clarity to quantifying achievements and facilitating easy contact, these tips will help elevate your career prospects and increase your chances of securing the desired position. Let's dive in and discover how to create a resume that grabs the attention of potential employers and positions you as a top candidate for police chief. 1. Customization is Key Customization is a fundamental aspect of creating an effective resume. By tailoring your resume to each job application, you demonstrate to potential employers that you have taken the time to understand the unique requirements of the position and how your skills and experiences align with them. To customize your resume effectively, start by carefully analyzing the job description provided by the employer. Pay close attention to the qualifications, responsibilities, and desired skills outlined…

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Planting seeds of investment in fertile soil with dollar bills sprouting like seedlings, symbolizing personal growth and financial investment in self-development.

The Self-Made Chief: Personal Training Tactics for Law Enforcement Leaders

Recently, leadership expert Jon Gordon asked a thought-provoking question that resonates with aspiring law enforcement leaders: “If you could fly, would you?” His observation was intriguing. While many would instinctively answer, “Of course, if I had the ability, I would,” Gordon noted a paradox. He doubted the sincerity of such claims, pointing out a widespread tendency: people often neglect the gifts, talents, and abilities already at their disposal, let alone hypothetical ones like flight. Reflecting on this, I realized why so many fail to utilize their inherent capacities. There is a widespread lack of understanding of how to harness these abilities effectively. Despite a burning desire for personal and professional growth, success, and the ambition to achieve remarkable things, there is often a gap in knowledge — the know-how is missing. This challenge is especially relevant for individuals aspiring to leadership roles in law enforcement. We tend to rely heavily on our municipalities’ or counties' resources, especially regarding education and training. We acquire the fundamental skills necessary to fulfill our duties as police officers or deputy sheriffs, and if we're fortunate, we also glean some leadership and management skills. But is that enough for career advancement? Probably not. Many law…

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