Change Responsibly – Stretching the Police:
The occupational dichotomy between the enforcer and guardian ethos is a powerful pendulum swing in either direction.
Crucibles of Leadership (part 4)
The Essentials of Leadership In our interviews, we heard many other stories of crucible experiences. Take Jack Coleman, 78-year-old former president of Haverford College in Pennsylvania. He told us of one day, during the Vietnam War, when he heard that a group of students was planning to pull down the American flag and burn it—and that former members of the school’s football team were going to make sure the students didn’t succeed. Seemingly out of nowhere, Coleman had the idea to preempt […]
Crucibles of Leadership (part 3)
Geeks and Geezers We didn’t set out to learn about crucibles. Our research for this article and for our new book, Geeks and Geezers, was actually designed to uncover the ways that era influences a leader’s motivation and aspirations. We interviewed 43 of today’s top leaders in business and the public sector, limiting our subjects to people born in or before 1925, or in or after 1970. To our delight, we learned a lot about how age and era affect leadership style. Our […]
Ferguson & Public Engagement | What are they good for?
What’s the best time to plant a tree? – 30 years ago. What’s the next best time to plant a tree? – Today In general, law enforcement has made for horrible horticulturalists. We’ve not tilled the soil of community engagement as a practice. Now we wonder why no one understands us. When an incident like Ferguson erupts, the pundits hurry to fend off allegations from a civilian population incessantly asking for answers. I’ve had so many tell how they’ve unfriended people on […]
“If Not Us, Who?”
“If Not Us, Who?” My heart weighs heavy in this week before the important decisions contemplated by a civilian grand jury in another state. After nearly 25 years of serving my community and country, I see the potential for an occupationalrevolution. The potential for substantially significant cultural change. While most revolutions are spurned through violence, this cannot be one of them. Soon, events born in violence will again effect this country. Not just for today, but years to come. Regardless what you […]
Us versus Them | A Ferguson Outcome
Us versus Them: Sunday I shared the burden on my spirit in anticipation of the grand jury decision, “If Not Us, Who?” (https://www.facebook.com/CopsWritingCrime) It wasn’t about an outcome. It was that our nation rallied on either side of the issue based not on facts and evidence, but on historical perspective. Truth is, there’s more than one narrative to American history. Just before turning off the news, I received a private message. Simply, it read – We Won! In clarity, I saw this […]
Crucibles of Leadership (part 2)
Learning From Difference A crucible is, by definition, a transformative experience through which an individual comes to a new or an altered sense of identity. It is perhaps not surprising then that one of the most common types of crucibles we documented involves the experience of prejudice. Being a victim of prejudice is particularly traumatic because it forces an individual to confront a distorted picture of him- or herself, and it often unleashes profound feelings of anger, bewilderment, and even withdrawal. For […]
Crucibles of Leadership (part 1)
What makes a leader As lifelong students of leadership, we are fascinated with the notion of what makes a leader. Why is it that certain people seem to naturally inspire confidence, loyalty, and hard work, while others (who may have just as much vision and smarts) stumble, again and again? It’s a timeless question, and there’s no simple answer. But we have come to believe it has something to do with the different ways that people deal with adversity. Indeed, our recent […]
Mission Possible: TPD Accepts the ALS Ice Water Challenge
I’ve been challenged by numerous fantastically caring people over the last several weeks. We sat in a light-hearted brainstorming session this week to create a response video. Within 15 minutes the imaginative group of officers took a simple idea and ran with it. More pleasing to me as their Chief of Police was that everyone dropped their guard to join in. Even if it meant making fun of themselves. It was for a cause greater than anyone of us. In this era […]
A Police Officer On Lessons From Ferguson
A veteran police officer says both the shooting of Michael Brown and the aftermath in Ferguson point to the need for conversation about police and community in the U.S. Jim Bueermann is president of the Police Foundation, a nonpartisan and nonprofit group that supports innovation and improvement in policing. Bueerman worked for the police department in Redlands, California, for 33 years, serving in every position, including as chief of police. Bueermann tells Here & Now’s Sacha Pfeiffer that policing is a joint activity […]
Teammates
Looking forward to this summer’s Big Fun Day for Thibodaux Jr Police and families.
10 Life Lessons from a Navy SEAL
Naval Admiral William H. McRaven’s commencement speech at UT. It’s amazing and lessons I hope to always remember. PLEASE ENJOY The University’s slogan is, “What starts here changes the world.” I have to admit—I kinda like it. “What starts here changes the world.” Tonight there are almost 8,000 students graduating from UT. That great paragon of analytical rigor, Ask.Com says that the average American will meet 10,000 people in their lifetime. That’s a lot of folks. But, if every one of you […]
Firemen | Because Cops Need Heros Too
In honor of the 2014 Thibodaux Volunteer Fire Department’s world-famous “Fireman’s Fair,” I want to take this weekend to say THANK YOU! What do you get when mix Red and Blue? In Thibodaux, Louisiana you get a great group of committed public servants working together to protect the lives and properties of our citizens and visitors. This week is yours TVFD! The History The town of Thibodaux purchased equipment on April 3, 1843, consisting of 150 feet of hose and a dozen […]
Different Ideas for Developing Future Leaders
By the16percent on April 3, 2014 Even though the recent recession postponed retirement for many Baby Boomers, it didn’t eliminate it; and now many of them are exiting the workforce stage left. Because of this reality, many innovative organizations in both the private and public sectors are developing creative ways to develop effective leaders. Here’s a quick look at three unique approaches that could help prepare your team for the future: Leader-Lend Toyota has modeled this with great success. They created a diverse team of […]
Lead Thyself
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 […]
Leadership, Smeadership | Get your own coffee
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 […]
Silence in Policing | A Cultural Revolution
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 […]
When God has a Message | Just hush
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 […]
A Ticket to Ride
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 […]
Local cops, kids bond over library storytime
Thibodaux kids have the right to remain entertained. The Thibodaux Police Department partnered with the Thibodaux Library to have officers read stories to kids at least twice a month. Detective Douglas Fontana, who read stories Monday evening, said the program started about three months ago as a way for officers to get more involved in the community. “It really gives us a chance to expand and do things we normally wouldn’t do,” he said. Fontana said his favorite stories are the ones […]
Code 9 | Officer Needs Assistance
Code 9 | Officer Needs Assistance; these words strike at our deepest fear. There is nothing in this life that can prevent fellow officers from getting to an officer in need. All I am asking is that you watch this video. Yes, it’s that important. I watched this video sent to me by Deborah Ortiz and was moved with emotion as I listened to children speak the words that Police Officers never will. Please get involved; no more silent suffering. Deborah’s FB message: hello […]
A Response to Rt. Hon. Keith Vaz MP | Nathan Constable (UK)
NOTE: I follow the work of Nathan Constable, who regularly posts about the conditions of policing in the UK. This recent event involving the brutal murder of a British soldier on the streets of London, solicited an unusual response from a high-ranking official. You think the U.S. has issues?? Stay Strong UK Blue Reposted from my Friend & Brother in Blue from the UK; Nathan Constable This morning, the Rt. Hon. Keith Vaz MP, Chair of the Home Affairs Select Committee has […]
Chief Scott Silverii, Ph.D. Named Executive Fellow | Police Foundation
Police Foundation President Jim Bueermann approved the appointment for City of Thibodaux Chief of Police, Dr. Scott Silverii as an Executive Fellow and member of its Research Advisory Committee. The Police Foundation also sponsors the Cambridge Police Executive Program Executive Fellowship Program Executive Fellows at the Police Foundation are current or retired executive-level members of criminal justice organizations whose knowledge, experience and skills help advance the Foundation’s mission. They serve as members of the President’s Practitioner Advisory Board to help ensure the Foundation is […]
Diary of a Mad Dispatcher; Interview
I was fortunate to have interviewed Kristin Kitchen, aka “Diary of a Mad Dispatcher” for The Badge Guys in preparation for last week’s Telecommunications Appreciation Week. I’m honored to feature the entire interview here at the Bright Blue Line. I’d like to thank Kristin once again for leading the way for Emergency Dispatchers and for hosting a wildly popular Facebook site – Diary of a Mad Dispatcher. Original post Click Here This week at The Badge Guys, we focus on the “Role […]
Police Dispatchers: Unsung Heroes and Lifelines
Wrapping up our week of honoring Dispatchers is this piece posted by one of my favorite sites, Law Enforcement Today Dispatchers; we truly appreciate you. Dispatchers: Unsung Heroes and Lifelines by Niki Tallent March 14, 2013 According to the LA Police Protective League in discussing the shoot out with disgraced former Los Angeles police officer Christopher Dorner, “The chilling audiotape makes one thing clear: the civilian dispatcher did an outstanding job. She performed flawlessly during this critical tactical incident. Her calm and […]
I Quit
I Quit Johnny Paycheck popularized this song originally written by David Allen Coe in 1977, and despite having been his only #1 hit, we recall with clarity those famous words, “Take this job and shove it.” He sings about the dissatisfaction and hurt of a man who gave his life to his work without reciprocation of reward. Ok, I’m not quitting, but it gets your attention. It also gains the attention of supervisors, Chiefs and Mayors who ask, “Why?” Well, there are […]
Breaking Up Is Hard To Do
Breaking Up Is Hard To Do February 13, 2013 in Featured, Patrol, Posts by Chief Scott Silverii, Ph.D. Let’s explore why it is so hard to “break up” from a job you love and love to not love. before beginning, I was approached by a lady Saturday night while monitoring a downtown nightclub crowd following the Ambrosia Mardi Gras parade. She is not associated with law enforcement and I am not sure who she is. She was kind enough to share having […]
Leadership: Trust Me
Thibodaux Police Chief: ‘Trust me’ Editor’s Note: This article is an archived media piece posted in January 2011 when Chief Silverii first took office. Newly appointed Thibodaux Police Chief Scott Silverii speaks to the department as a group for the first By: Nate Monroe Published: Thursday, February 3, 2011 at 11:01 a.m. THIBODAUX — Thibodaux Police Chief Scott Silverii wanted to make sure his officers were ready to break with the past. In the opening portion of a speech addressed to most of the […]
Police Leadership: What’s on your mind, Chief?
What’s on your mind, Chief? Recently, while speaking with a sergeant from another jurisdiction about calling my Patrol Division lieutenant, he suggested that contact would be made over the radio. The sergeant then asked; “What band is he on?” Band? I honestly have no idea. I know that when I push the power button, the light comes on and I hear radio traffic. Because I did not know the radio band, does that make me a bad chief? Then I thought, well […]
10 Questions with Chief of Police Scott Silverii
10 Questions with Thibodaux Police Chief Scott Silverii Thibodaux Police Chief Scott Silverii shares ideas about the department after being appointed earlier this year. Originally Published: Friday, September 16, 2011. Since taking over the job in January, Thibodaux Police Chief Scott Silverii has changed the structure and ideology of the police department. He has also faced a number of challenges, most notably the brutal murder of 7-year-old Jori Lirette in August. Daily Comet Staff Writer Nate Monroe sat down and talked with Silverii […]
Honoring Police Radio Dispatchers Week; Thank You to Allie Hansell
By: Allie Hansell @Alliehans1 Well, this is my very first experience blogging, so please be patient with me 🙂 I was asked to write a little about my job and why I love it. I work as a Police 911 Call Taker and Dispatcher for a small suburb of Vancouver, British Columbia. I started in this field about 3 years ago and it has been a pretty interesting experience. Volunteering Leads to Finding Her Passion My previous job was that of office […]
Honoring Police Radio Dispatchers; Thank You to Carlena A. Orosco
Motivation for Beginning Career At the ripe age of 21, I decided to seek employment with a law enforcement agency in Los Angeles as a police dispatcher, in hopes of gaining some invaluable experience that would help to shape my career as a Criminal Justice scholar. Little did I know, I was about to embark on a nine-year, life-changing experience, one that has forever altered my perspective on the role of dispatchers in the day-to-day operations of law enforcement. Upon being immersed […]
Honoring Police Radio Dispatchers; Thank You to Katie Marnoch
I’ve been a dispatcher with the Metropolitan Police Service in London for eight years, and I can honestly say that no two days have ever been the same. Making a Difference I love my job for a number of reasons: the people I work with, the opportunities it has given me and for knowing that every day I have made a difference to someone’s life. In the past 18 months, I have dealt with the London Riots, held the Olympic torch, worked […]
Honoring Police Radio Dispatchers Week – Thank You to Candace Gray
By: Candace Gray 911 Emergency Dispatcher When you tell someone you answer 911 for a living, their first question is usually something like “Oh my gosh, isn’t it stressful?” or “What’s the craziest call you have ever gotten?”. What they typically DON’T ask is “Why do you do it?”, so I’m definitely happy to answer this one! I have been doing this profession for the last 12 yrs, starting at the young age of 20yo. I work for a small department in […]
Honoring Police Radio Dispatchers Week – Thank You to Reycca Dotson-Middleton
By: Radio Communications Dispatcher – Reycca Dotson-Middleton Dickenson County, Virginia Coming up on my seventh year as a dispatcher for police, fire and rescue in our small county in Virginia, approximate population of sixteen thousand citizens, we are tiny compared to some. We have three town police agencies, three EMS agencies, four fire agencies as well as our county deputies we dispatch for. Some days I come in and/or leave feeling like there’s nothing I love about this job. I chock that […]
Rookie Cop; The Stand-Up Guy
Years ago while commanding a Uniform Patrol Division for a nationally accredited Sheriff’s Office, I worked closely with the Regional Police Training Academy Director. Having previously worked for me in a special services division, we became fast friends. The Question Following the graduation of each academy class, the rookies reported to the Patrol Section for assignment to an experienced Field Training Officer (FTO). The Director made it a point to ask if they still stood up. I’d laugh and say, “Yes.” This went on for just a few weeks, […]
Cops; Old Bulls & Young Bulls
January 22, 2013 in Featured, Leadership, Posts by Chief Scott Silverii, Ph.D. Who can forget Robert Duval’s advice to a young LAPD Officer played by Sean Penn in the 1988 movie “Colors?” While Duval’s character may have been referring to operational efficiency more than chronological age, the point is that better results are often associated with maturity. Oakland’s Chief of Police Howard Jordan recently announced increasing the Police Department’s minimum hiring age from 20.5 years to 25 years old. I hope this […]
Domestic Violence Survivor & Life’s Champion – from the UK; Jules
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 came to know Jules as someone I respect and admire. I have been kindly invited by Chief Scott Silverii […]
Domestic Violence Survivor & Life’s Champion – from the UK; Jules
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 came to know Jules as someone I respect and admire. I have been kindly invited by Chief Scott Silverii […]
I’m Fat – Week 1
Sunday’s initial post took a bit of courage to hit “publish.” It’s out there with zero regrets. Seems there are many others willing to team up for health’s sake. I’m thankful for you sharing your challenges and goals. Don’t leave us out here alone. Welcome weekly support from diet, nutrition, exercise and stress reduction team members. Contact me at brightblueline@gmail.com to help Here’s to holding each other accountable when the couch looks inviting and the snacks endless. Week 1 recap; Weight – 222 lbs […]
DV Survivor & Life’s Champion – from the UK; Jules
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 came to know Jules as someone I truly admire. I have been kindly invited by Chief Scott Silverii to write on […]
Black History Month Highlight: Captain Preston Jacobs
No Man Is An Island. No Man Walks Alone In honor of Black History Month, Chief Scott Silverii and the Thibodaux Police Department honors the legacy of a man still fondly remembered more than 20 years since his passing. Preston “Jake” Jacobs began his career with the Thibodaux Police Department in April of 1969. He was only the second black man to join the agency, and was hired by then Police Chief Earl Melancon Sr., who spoke very highly of Jake at […]
Discover Our “WHY” Week -Day 5
Once you discover your passion, everything else makes sense. This week, lets discuss and discover our “why.” If you liked this message, please share the vision by passing it along. Help ignite a cultural revolution.
Discover Our “WHY” Week – Day 4 – Guest: Sgt. Todd Prevost
I have known “Pre” for many years, and I am thankful for his friendship. Though I may have taught him a bit about POP Squad and SWAT, it was he teaching us about consistency, committment and humility. I am honored that he agreed to share his passion with us. He is blessed for having discovered his “WHY” Bike Cop, “WHY?” After sixteen years in law enforcement, thirteen spent patrolling on a bicycle, I am still asked, “why?” Many accompany the question with further inquiries into as why I […]
Discover Our “WHY” Week -Day 3
Once you discover your passion, everything else makes sense. This week, lets discuss and discover our “why.” If you liked this message, please share the vision by passing it along. Help ignite a cultural revolution.
Discover Our “WHY” Week – Day 1
Once you discover your passion, everything else makes sense. This week, lets discuss and discover our “why.” If you liked this message, please help share the vision by sharing our site.
LAST Day of “PEOPLE I LOVE” Week
The week of February 11 thru 15, 2013 is “People I Love” Week. Day 1 – Long-term loyalty and commitment Day 2 – Wisdom and spirituality Day 3 – Fearless Christian leadership Day 4 – Forgiveness and reconciliation through prayer Day 5 – Mercy and healing This week of Valentine is traditionally reserved for romantic love. Often times the target of ones affections change and the next commercially driven day of “love” allows opportunities for a new target and new purchases to […]
“PEOPLE I LOVE” Week – Day 5
Waverly Mercy and Healing This is the greatest love of all. The love God shows me. I have been obedient at times in my life and I have been downright rebellious in my life. God always loves me. Even when I walked away. In 2006 my son was born. The delivery came fast and complicated. After a rushed surgery, a beautiful screaming baby boy arrived. He was perfect, and yet there was a sense of “what if” amongst the hospital staff. The next […]
Day 4 of “PEOPLE I LOVE” Week
The week of February 11 thru 15, 2013 is “People I Love” Week. Day 1 – Long-term loyalty and commitment Day 2 – Wisdom and spirituality Day 3 – Fearless Christian leadership Day 4 – Forgiveness and reconciliation through prayer Day 5 – Mercy and healing This week of Valentine is traditionally reserved for romantic love. Often times the target of ones affections change and the next commercially driven day of “love” allows opportunities for a new target and new purchases to impress. […]
“PEOPLE I LOVE” Week – Day 4
MCR Forgiveness and Reconciliation This is a tough one to share for several reasons, but often times saying “I love you” requires […]