Jan 2022. Blues Vol 38 No. 1

Now

Now that 2022 is here, many people are unsurprisingly talking about their New Years’ resolutions. Some choose to focus on personal goals, some choose to focus on professional, and others choose to focus on a mixture of both. Having resolutions to go into the new year with are always a great idea as they can have lasting positive effects on many aspects of your life. If you’re a police officer, there are plenty of great resolutions to make that can do wonders for your professional development. Here are a few great New Year’s resolutions for you to consider. 1. KEEP IN TOUCH WITH YOUR COMMUNITY Few academics or law enforcement executives agree on what community policing is or looks like, or how it should be managed. I’ve heard it said (sometimes out of my own mouth), that before the 1990s when federal dollars followed anything labeled “community-oriented policing and problem solving,” we just called it “police work.” However, it is articulated or put into practice, it means connecting with the people you serve in a way that builds trust and solves problems. Take a look at the dozens of articles online that feature community policing and social media tips to see if you find a new way you can connect. I cannot say enough about the importance of volunteering in the community you police. People who volunteer are active in their communities and are the type of people we need spreading the truth about our profession. Being a public servant should not stop when you take the uniform off – volunteering keeps you connected to the community you are policing. 2. GO TO A TRADE SHOW Trade shows are another great new year resolution police officers can easily take advantage of. The law enforcement field constantly has new tech and products emerging that can improve your performance on the job. Attending the various trade shows is a great way of getting to see all of the new developments and many times, getting to test them as well. The big three shows are: the SHOT Show, ILEETA and IACP. SHOT - The Shooting, Hunting, and Outdoor Trade show (from whence the SHOT acronym is derived) is purely a trade show and restricted to users and purchasers for law enforcement, military and outdoor products. It is the only show I haven’t been to, although I’m hoping to rectify that this coming January in Las Vegas. The dates of this year’s show are January 18-21 in Vegas. New Year Resolutions for 2022 • KEEP IN TOUCH WITH YOUR COMMUNITY • GO TO TRADE SHOWS • BOOST YOUR CAREER • GET FIT & RESILIENT • BE A BETTER CRIME FIGHTER • BE SAFE & READ MORE IN 2022 • GO HOME SAFE TO YOUR FAMILY AFTER SHIFT ILEETA (International Law Enforcement Educators and Trainers Association) - hosts an annual training conference for its members. The 2022 conference is in St. Louis, March 14-19 and features a product and equipment show from major makers and suppliers of law enforcement equipment and technology. If you want to hear the leading police trainers on relevant topics and see the latest in cop stuff, ILEETA should be worked into your personal or department budget and calendar. Several episodes of the Policing Matters on Police1.com’s podcasts are featured interviews with ILEETA instructors. One of the leading police training classes at ILEETA in 2019 taught the Importance of being a ‘predator’ in a deadly confrontation. A lot of different scenarios police officers learn in response to aggression used to be and still is, unfortunately, to step back and to create distance or reactionary gaps. Although there may be a time when this is appropriate, normally we operate in very close proximity to the subject. And oftentimes it’s too late to go backward. When you start going backward, you begin to act like prey. Unfortunately, when you begin to act like prey, things go in one direction: from bad to worse. IACP - The IACP (International Association of Chiefs of Police) 2022 conference is in Dallas, October 15-18 and while the conference is for members only, the trade show is open to law enforcement with credentials after registration for a pass, regardless of whether you are an IACP member or attend the conference sessions. You’ll see everything from holsters to helicopters, as well as informational exhibits on services and agencies you can network with for your agency’s success. If you are a trainer or have purchasing authority, you don’t want to miss this expansive trade show if you have the opportunity. 2. BOOST MY CAREER Check out the website Police1. They offer hundreds of articles on leadership and career success as well as content from writers who know the keys to getting hired and promoted. These seasoned officer’s aka writers, provide valuable nuggets worth their weight in gold for getting you where you want to be. You’ll find good counsel for solid, ethical service that will give a boost to anyone’s career and provide guidance for your police retirement. If you’re already in leadership, you’ll find the voice of experience of police leaders who have been at the boss’ desk or in a supervisor’s patrol car. With every decision being scrutinized by a reporter’s explosive headline or a malcontent’s viral video, you’ll want to hear from Police1’s writers on topics in the news. Top police training tip on” How to improve your odds for promotion in 2022”: If I were a chief executive today, I would evaluate promotional candidates on their knowledge and understanding of the issues that create the greatest challenges within the geopolitical arena. For example, a clear understanding of de-escalation and less-lethal force options would be critical to a police leadership role in the year 2022 and beyond. 3. GET MORE FIT AND RESILIENT The BLUES is proud to have three well known professionals on its roster of columnists. Dr. Tina Jaeckle, Samantha Horwitz and John Salerno all provide valuable insight into the mental health and well-being of our readers. Each month these seasoned professionals dive into what it takes to keep you safe both mentally as well as physically. 26 The BLUES POLICE MAGAZINE The BLUES POLICE MAGAZINE 27