MANAGING IN THE MILLENNIUM
Elected officials
I
always appreciate hearing from read- enforcement before and after natural disas-
ers, and sometimes I find a message so ters. Having elected officials involved in
good I need to share it. That’s the case this way also makes it easier to concentrate
with the one I received from Chief Scott on your job during stressful events.
Gooding of the Broward County (Fla.) ■ Keep elected officials (including
Sheriff’s Office. the city or county manager) informed of
Chief Gooding commented on some what’s going on via e-mail. Short e-mails
of my suggestions for getting elected to each official prevent many phone calls
officials on the same page as your agency (and can cut down on repetition). Just
(“Clarifying misconceptions,” February make sure ALL officials are included —
2009) and stepped it up with some other don’t leave anyone out of the loop.
excellent ideas that he has graciously By thoroughly familiarizing your elect-
agreed to share with you. I think his points ed officials with your department, how it
Carole Moore have a lot of merit, especially in tough operates, and letting them see your officers
economic times when law enforcement is and support personnel for what they are
fighting for every penny. Gone, at least for — hardworking, honest, dedicated individ-
now, are the days when police could legiti- uals who put their lives on the line for the
Government mately expect most of budgetary needs to
be financed by elected officials. Agencies
taxpayers daily — will take much of the
mystery out of policing. The old habit of
that cloaks are losing positions and are looking for
cheaper ways to train and educate officers,
building a barrier between the department
and the outside only results in mutual mis-
itself in putting fleet, equipment and facility needs trust and criticism.
on hold, which can be dangerous as well as Furthermore, Gooding suggests that
secrecy or hinder crime fighting capabilities. Having by building a bridge between officials and