Author Archives

Dr. Scott Silverii

Christ follower, husband, dad, author and retired chief of police discovering the amazing side of a servant's life.

Rating Success Differently

February 24, 2014

Cop Culture: Why Good Cops Go Bad ranked in 3 of Amazon’s top categories. I am truly grateful. More importantly, I’ve received calls and e-mails from people asking about the work. They share that reading the book is like watching what their spouse or family member is going through on the job. I always assure them to read through to the recommendations!! If it helps one cop, one family or one community, it is a measured success. That’s rating success differently. Stay Blue, […]

Know What to Do and When to Do It

February 23, 2014

Several years back, I read where an Oregon Middle School was having problems with some girls. They were putting lipstick on and kissing the bathroom mirrors.  The principal finally gathered the girls they believed responsible (Police Work J), and stood them before the kissed mirrors. The principal then said, “Please help me stop this problem. It’s so hard for our janitor to clean this off. Watch, I’ll show you.” Then the janitor promptly dipped his mop in the toilet and began scrubbing […]

The Chuckle

February 22, 2014

I first posted this last year. It’s a favorite Mardi Gras memory so I’d like to share again. As we go deep into the carnival season, I ask that you be careful and mindful of others. Have a fantastic season. I was up at 0430hrs today as my mind usually begins before my body. Our Mardi Gras season begins Sunday and runs each weekend till Fat Tuesday. No, I’m not thinking about costumes or beads or float designs. I’m focusing on the […]

Quiet Your Mind

February 17, 2014

Can You Quiet Your Mind? From John Marx’s CopsAlive.com For law enforcement professionals the importance of being able to quiet your mind is critical as the thoughts, ideas, plans and excessive noise in our heads can become overwhelming. Even in their more mild expressions these thoughts can keep us from being focused, attentive, alert and might disturb our sleep. The profession of law enforcement can be quite toxic and contributes many direct threats to your mental and emotional well-being, not to mention […]

Building momentum for your life

February 16, 2014

It is said that you can take a 4”x4” block of wood and place it in front of a Steam Engine Train and it cannot move. But let it build up its speed to 50 mph and it can plow through a 10’x10’ steel reinforced block of concrete. That is the power of Momentum. Obstacles are a part of life we all deal with, but those that are successful in Life are people that keep momentum going in the right direction. With […]

The Younger Generations and why we’re (not) Doomed

February 5, 2014

NOTE: Originally posted by Chief Steve Allender of the Rapid City, SD Police Department. The younger generation – the 20-somethings have invaded our workplaces.  You’ve seen them, maybe interviewed them for jobs, hired them and maybe you’ve even seen them quit the place you work already.  By my generation’s standards they are flighty, they have a poor work ethic, they are short-term thinkers and they are too inexperienced to have the opinions they have about life and work and anything else for that […]

Secret Service

February 2, 2014

A while back someone sent me a gift certificate of $400 to buy a suit. I never wore a $400 anything in my life! Believe me my children let me know they can see that. The generous gift allowed me to purchase two suits and some accessories.  I haven’t found out who gave the gift. I have operated my gift of suspicion, but it was never confirmed to me. Whoever did this understood the principle of doing things secretly and being rewarded […]

The Fog

January 26, 2014

In 1952, Florence Chadwick stepped into the waters of the Pacific Ocean off Catalina Island, determined to swim to the shore of mainland California. She’d already been the first woman to swim the English Channel both ways. The weather was foggy and chilly; she could hardly see the boats accompanying her. Still, she swam for fifteen hours. When she begged to be taken out of the water along the way, her mother, in a boat alongside, told her she was close and […]

Meet August Landmesser : The man behind the crossed arms

January 20, 2014

Source: Blogspot Last week I posted about this iconic photograph, meet the man and his tragic love story in the face of incredible odds. Meet August Landmesser : The man behind the crossed arms The photo above has floated around the internet for a few years now, popular for one of its subjects’ subtle yet profound acts of nonconformity. There is no telling how many men in that crowd were acting out of fear, fully aware that failing to salute the Führer was akin to […]

Be this guy

January 13, 2014

“Courage is being scared to death…and saddling up anyway.” John Wayne I first saw this photograph a couple of years ago and was struck with a sense of sadness for the man in the circle. My imagination swept me into believing the worst of fates for his non-compliance. I put the picture aside, and every so often would come across it again. While I wanted to cheer for his refusal to cave, I still suffered from the sadness of his assumed inevitable fate. […]

Putting on the restraints

January 12, 2014

A little boy was riding around and around the block on his tricycle. Somebody said, “Son what are you doing?” He said, “I am running away from home.” The man said, “But you’re just going around and around the block.” The little boy said, “Yes, Momma won’t let me cross the street!” Even when rebellion happens in the earliest ages, there is the restraint of parental training that is put in the heart of children. Today, we have a philosophy that says […]

The Eulogy: 2013

January 1, 2014

  Over the last few days I’ve witnessed so many who’ve cursed or eulogized the last year; yes 2013. Instead of rejoicing in the 365 days of life God allowed them, they dismiss the gifts of grace in hopes of happenstance instantly or magically changing their circumstances. What makes a person believe that the tick of a second-hand tock is going to erase the hardships, the failures, the could-have-beens, the should-have-beens and the never-have-beens? Good things happen, bad things happen, terribly horrible things happen […]

It’s Green and Sticky | Christmas

December 24, 2013

I’m blessed to have served another year as a Chief of Police. Christmas is a natural season for the people I serve to graciously show gratitude through cards, foods and snacks delivered to the Thibodaux Police Department. Not unlike probably every agency across the globe, we become benefactors of an outpouring of goodwill from the folks we pour out our lives to everyday. Trust me, it is so very appreciated. The more chocolate the better I say! As I sorted through the pile […]

“Mary” Christmas

December 22, 2013

Mary Christmas! I love Christmas! Christmas is a special time of the year for all Christians and many non-Christians. It is a time of fun, family and expressing our care for all mankind. It’s just a good time of year. Unfortunately, the trend is slowly moving to take Christ out of Christmas. Stores put on their signs, “Happy Holidays” because they don’t want to offend non-Christians. Some places even put “Merry Xmas” making sure that Christ is not on their marquee. I […]

Silent Night

December 20, 2013

Always a great message shared

Me and my Shadow | Character

December 16, 2013

It’s character. I love the motivational messages about “the ultimate competitor lies within” and themes encouraging you to do your best to be your best. While most address athletic competition, I also appreciate the aspect in building strength of character. As a younger man I lauded over the strength to lift heavy weights as a benchmark of who I was, and the lifting of even more weight for who I wanted to be. Thank God we grow past those shallow ambitions. It’s character. […]

ENDURE

December 15, 2013

There is a song that says “Can’t Give Up Now” often times we give up right before our breakthrough. Truly the Lord knows us in and out.  But have you felt an extra boost of strength to keep moving just when you were about to give up? Why do we give up so soon? Is it because we have had enough? Or does it display a much deeper problem we have within ourselves.? It is so easy to give up then to […]

It’s safe : Inside the Box

December 11, 2013

I enjoy the challenge of remaining creative in ways to better serve the public. While I passionately believe there is always room for improvement, I also understand that improvement, via “change” is not always welcome. We’ve worn out the phrase “Think outside the box” to the point that merely saying it shows complacency and cliché.  While I fully appreciate tradition, I could not imagine football played before the forward pass. Inside the Box: People don’t actually like creativity In the United States we are raised to appreciate […]

Early and Often

December 4, 2013

I’ve been a bit scattered of late, but one appointment kept has been the switching of Pandora over to the Christmas station Thanksgiving night thru the New Year. Do I get kidded for the constant stream of Christmas music flooding the house whenever people stop by? Sure; but it isn’t long after, that they too are caught up in the nostalgia of the classics like Elvis, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis, Jr., Bing Crosby and Nat King Cole to name a few. A friend shared this […]

Becoming Your Own Gatekeeper: A Lesson from Mrs. Woodrow Wilson

November 30, 2013

Lead Thyself

November 26, 2013

Lead Thyself: Quick Tips for Those Managing Themselves There’s a common misconception regarding the title of “leader”: You don’t have to be a manager or a supervisor in order to lead.  If you’re providing direction or support to fellow colleagues, you’re a leader.  More importantly, being a leader starts with being able to manage yourself effectively. If you one day wish to move up the corporate ladder and lead others, you must start with yourself.  Even if you have no interest in entering […]

Show me yours…

November 24, 2013

 “Show me your friends and I’ll show you your future.” That’s not just some cool quote or a random idea from Google. It’s a Biblical concept. In Proverbs 13:20, Solomon, the wise-guy, wrote: “He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.”   It’s just like your mother always told you – Be careful who you hang around; Be careful who you associate with; Guard who pours into your life. Don’t let just anyone […]

Dreaming in Blue

November 15, 2013

From one of my favorite police leaders on cultural change; Improving Police I hope you do not think that I am saying or suggesting that our nation’s police have not improved? They have! Looking back (and I make this point in my new book) there have been major points of improvement that have helped move police forward. First of all, there is the Wickersham Commission in the 1930s and President Johnson’s crime commission in the mid-1960s. Both commissions led to many of today’s […]

Cops and Cavemen; Come out of the Cold

November 13, 2013

First posted Law Enforcement Today; March 25, 2013 in Featured, Leadership, Posts by Chief Scott Silverii, Ph.D. What’s With This Person? I was speaking with a Law Enforcement Agency’s Commander about an officer who just did not seem to grasp an agency’s vision. Although clearly communicated over the last several years in agency-wide meetings, in-services, e-mails, social media, and personal conversations the officer just refuses to “get on board.” This Commander is fully committed to the city, the agency and the progressive […]

Honesty Is Not The Best Policy

November 10, 2013

HONESTY IS NOT THE BEST POLICY… Years ago I went to a Christian school training, and I never forgot what one of the speakers said – “Honesty is not the best policy. It is the only policy.” If we allow ourselves an option, we will always find certain situations produce a convenience to be dishonest. Jesus Christ said He is Truth, and only Truth can really make a person free (Gospel of John ch. 8). Everyone may not favor you if you […]

Leadership, Smeadership | Get your own coffee

November 4, 2013

I’m often asked by officers, media and my college students about leadership. Seldom is asked what it takes to be led, or how to actually lead; but mostly when do “I get a chance to lead” or “I want to lead now.” I appreciate the enthusiasm, and if sincere, the desire to offer themselves up for the sacrifice to lead others. Sacrifice? Did you say “sacrifice?” No one ever mentioned sacrifice. Guess what? Servant leadership requires sacrifice. You must understand that to […]

Where is your future there?

November 3, 2013

A young preacher anxious to find a place to preach was finally invited to preach at the State Insane Asylum. He read his text then announced the title of his message as a question, “Why Are We All Here?” One of the inmates kept waving his hand and saying, “I know! I know!” Finally, out of frustration the young preacher called on him. He stood and said, “We are all here because we are not all there!” Jesus said He has gone […]

Well Anchored – By: Chaplain Ronnie Melancon

October 27, 2013

My Friend, Jules | DV Survivor and Champion

October 24, 2013

This moving account of pain, punishment, and perseverance inspires me! It will bless you too. Her story of victory is meant to be shared. Please, I ask you to bless others with her open optimism. I came to know Jules as someone I enjoy kidding with. Mostly about our law enforcement jobs, and US v. UK jabs. She shared her story, and I grew to know Jules as someone I deeply respect and admire. Jules recently joined the London’s Metropolitan Police, and trained to […]

Baby Hope | Good works never cease

October 21, 2013

Baby Hope Good work by the NYPD:   BY ORDER OF THE CHIEF OF DEPARTMENT, THE FOLLOWING IS TO BE READ AT ROLL CALL TO ALL MEMBERS OF THE SERVICE AND POSTED CONSPICUOUSLY WITHIN COMMANDS: On July 23rd, 1991, twenty-two years ago, the body of a four-year-old girl was found in a cooler off the Henry Hudson Parkway.  She had been starved and sexually assaulted. Despite a citywide appeal, the 34th Precinct Detective Squad was unable to locate her relatives. All leads […]

Peer Pressure: I passed a tractor & ate a bug

October 17, 2013

Yes, it’s much better than had I eaten a bug, then “passed” a tractor. Get it? Anyway, peer pressure is an odd phenomenon. We exert it or succumb to it as children, we implore our own kids not to fall victim to it, yet even as adults we sometimes still give in to it. Bicycles don’t usually pass moving vehicles on the highways, but many of us have dreamed of that moment when pure man and muscle-driven machine out runs an automotive […]

Can a Christian be a Cop?

October 15, 2013

I’m often asked, “Who is God and why should I serve Him?”  My answer is that God was the first cop.  “For […]

Dealing with mean people

October 14, 2013

She nails it in her post. Check out her site.

Women in Leadership: Good for Us All

October 14, 2013

Image credit: Shutterstock September 30th, 2013 by Kellie McElhaney The topic of the value of getting more women in the top echelons of corporate leadership has garnered a great deal of coverage as of late. Credit Suisse published a report in 2012 stating that their research shows that having more women on corporate boards increased both the share price — particularly in volatile markets — and the return on equity (ROE) of companies. Norway, the first country to have instituted a quota […]

Be the Best You

October 13, 2013

I told one of my grandsons the other day that he didn’t always have to be the best, but he did always have to do his best. I don’t remember where I first heard this axiom (a self-evident truth), but it is definitely sound advice. To do your best requires certain things in your life. One of the most important is a determined desire. Proof of desire is pursuit, but without consistency desire alone isn’t enough. In fact – Discipline, not Desire […]

How The Most Effective People Learn From Their Mistakes. A Case Study

October 9, 2013

See if this sounds familiar. You work incredibly hard to develop a great product or service. You introduce it into the marketplace with high hopes…and it bombs. Your reaction? “The problem wasn’t me or our product. The problem was the market/customer/whoever didn’t appreciate what we had. It was a great product (or service.) The customers are idiots.  That’s all there is to it.” And because you are convinced you are right and everyone else is wrong no learning takes place after the […]

Silence in Policing | A Cultural Revolution

October 7, 2013

NOTE: Going back through articles I’ve written, this was and still is an important issue in the profession and use of social media by law enforcement. Police Silence in Research This post covers law enforcement’s “Code,” and the blue culture of police silence. I spent several years researching this culture during an anthropological ethnography for my doctorate degree. Going back into my research, I decided to use that as my source for drawing information for this post about the influence of Police […]

The Extra Mile

October 6, 2013

We have all heard the expression “Going The Extra Mile,” which refers to acts of service that go beyond what is required or expected. What some may not know is that the expression comes from the Bible, when Jesus declares in his sermon on the mount – “Whoever forces you to go one mile, go with him two” (Matthew 5:41). The verse is a reference to the practice of “impressment,” which, among other things, allowed a Roman soldier to conscript a Jewish […]

The Fishbowl | What you do in Public

October 2, 2013

NOTE: I am posting this message received for two reasons; 1. It was sent via social media, so I trust I’m not violating a confidence by posting. 2. It is possibly the nicest message I have received, and moves me to know that our actions, as important as our words, speak volumes about who we are and what we do. Hi, Scott. I found your sight by clicking on a twitter link tweeted by an author friend. I was curious because of […]

Smiles Lead to Longer Life Span

September 30, 2013

Smiles Lead to Longer Life Span Posted on September 24, 2013 by mike As a kid, I attached valuable baseball cards to the spokes of my bike to make the sound of a motorcycle. Not everyone was destroying future investments. Researchers at Wayne State University examined photos of two hundred and fifty baseball players prior to 1950. They analyzed the smile or lack of smiles. Those that displayed no smile lived to 72.9 years old. Those with partial smiles lived to the […]

Through the Eyes of a Child

September 29, 2013

A group of professional people posed this question to a group of 4 to 8 year-olds – “What does love mean?”  The answers they got were broader and deeper than anyone could have imagined. When someone loves you, the way they say your name is different. You just know that your name is safe in their mouth.     Billy – age ?   Love is when a girl puts on perfume and a boy puts on shaving cologne and they go out and […]

Personal Sacrifice | What’s “IMPORTANT”

September 26, 2013

  It’s amazing what you find in the very bottom of a large cardboard box marked “IMPORTANT” About 4 years have passed since I’d last looked for the “IMPORTANT” container. This picture was down about the bottom of other “IMPORTANT” items, pictures, floppy disks (yes, floppy disks) and various life affirming items. The action, the brilliant illumination or deafening decibel from the flash bang, the high-tech weaponry, nor the dangerous fugitives captured was “IMPORTANT” It is the honor of serving many years in SWAT with committed and compassionate officers […]

When God has a Message | Just hush

September 24, 2013

Developing a talking theme for the year’s last quarter, I thought about leadership. Everyday my inbox is inundated with training solicitations for courses on leadership. Sure, everyone wants to lead, guide, direct and command. It’s our manifest destiny standing at the helm with a sword in one hand inspiring the troops. Today we can learn how to do it for a very reasonable registration fee, travel, hotel and per diem. Then I thought about learning to serve instead. Jotting ideas of what our commission as public servants […]

The Schulz Philosophy | Easy Quiz Included

September 22, 2013

I know this is a little different, but take the time to think through this very short quiz below. 1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world. 2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners. 3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America contest. 4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize. 5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress. 6. Name the last decade’s worth of World Series […]

Glory Hallelujah | Bo Bice

September 21, 2013

Just had to share this amazing praise song

Be an Oak

September 15, 2013

It was around 1981-82 that I decided I would quit my job to pursue the full-time ministry of an Evangelist. I had been taught by my Pastor that you never make major changes without prayer and fasting. I had a wife and two children at this time (my youngest was not yet born), and this decision would seriously affect their lives. I had to know it was God directing me. I took a few days off of work, and went on a […]

5 Tips To Create A Positive First Impression

September 12, 2013

“I think I blew it with the new vice president,” moaned my coaching client. “I was drowning in paperwork when she walked through our department introducing herself. I was so distracted I could hardly get my own name out of my mouth. On top of that, I was wearing jeans while the VP and just about everyone else in my department was wearing a suit that day. I can only imagine the awful first impression I made.” Did you know it takes only three […]

Remembered

September 11, 2013

God Bless America

A Ticket to Ride

September 3, 2013

Call it a sixth sense, but for 24 years I have felt the gaze as I enter public places. There is usually at least one set of eyes that lock onto the police uniform and refuse to disengage. Even as my senses alert me to the activity, and I identify the exact person engaged in the stare down, they refuse to unlock the look that screams, “Policeman.” It can make you very uncomfortable. It can be intimidating. It can be downright frightening. I’ve […]

I’m Shaping Up | Week 25

September 2, 2013

Lets do Labor Day instead. Did you know: Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country. Yes, I’m continuing to Labor towards a healthier lifestyle, and I also appreciate the value of deserved time off. It’s been a wonderful holiday shared mostly by the kiddo […]