JAN. 2025. Blues Vol 41 No. 1

their door. Trust me,

their door. Trust me, unless yourculture is top notch, no one iscoming to your door and leadersneed to not only make themselvesavailable to those aroundthem but invite critical feedbackwithout fear of retribution.5. Recognize and RewardPositive BehaviorAcknowledging and rewardingofficers who exemplify theagency’s values reinforces thosebehaviors. Recognition can comein various forms, such as awards,public commendations, or opportunitiesfor advancement.This not only motivates individualsbut also sets a standardfor others to follow. I can stillremember the (few) times thata leader stopped and recognizedme in a genuine fashion. Itmeant more than any plaque oraward I ever received and leadersmust embrace this.6. Focus on Officer WellnessOur profession is speakingabout this more than ever andthere is a danger to that. It becomesvery easy to sign a pledgeor check the box and forgetabout it. Leaders need to trulycare about their employees andtheir overall wellness and thatgoes much further than counseling,peer support groups, orfitness programs. A true focus onofficer wellness is built into everythinga leader does includinghow we discipline and addressdaily issues.7. Evaluate and AdaptCulture is not static. Agenciesmust regularly assess their culturethrough surveys, feedback,and performance reviews. Identifyingareas for improvement andmaking necessary adjustmentsensures the culture remainsaligned with the agency’s missionand evolving communityneeds. There is no better way todo this than the MAGNUSWorxApplication. It’s ridiculouslycheap and needs to be a tool forevery leader in law enforcement.CONCLUSIONCreating a strong culture withinlaw enforcement agenciesrequires intentional effort andongoing commitment. By focusingon core values, effectiveleadership, training, communication,recognition, wellness,and adaptability, agencies canbuild a culture that fosters trust,professionalism, and resilience.Such a culture not only enhancesthe agency’s effectiveness butalso strengthens the bond betweenlaw enforcement and thecommunities they serve.ABOUT THE AUTHORDr. Travis Yates retired as acommander with a large municipalpolice department after 30years of service. He is the authorof “The Courageous Police Leader:A Survival Guide for CombatingCowards, Chaos & Lies.” Hisrisk management and leadershipseminars have been taughtto thousands of professionalsacross the world. He is a graduateof the FBI National Academywith a Doctorate Degree in StrategicLeadership and the CEO ofthe Courageous Police LeadershipAlliance. REPRINTED FROM THELAW OFFICER, lawofficer.comNEW # 832.627.3729“An new era begins for Prison BreakTattoos with New Owners, Amazing Artists,and Same Great Location”14 The BLUES - JANUARY ‘25

The BLUES - JANUARY ‘25 15