Dynamic of RestorationIn the Dynamic of Restoration, we'll look at the challenges Renegade Police Officers present to law enforcement leaders as well as some specific steps to restore them into a proper relationship with their authorities. But before we do, it's a good idea to take a closer look at this downward Path of Destruction as it applies to law enforcement.It essentially consists of 5 distinct steps or stages that a police officer will typically experience as he steps out from under authority:
Click on the link for a more detailed look at each of these steps in the
Path of Destruction.
Since the Unrestorable Spirit is, by definition, unrestorable, we will start by looking at the Rebellious Spirit. There is still hope for his restoration. The character quality that counters rebellion is Obedience. But we are going to give Obedience a special Police Dynamics definition. Notice that definitions are important. We are talking about holding officers accountable within the context of a principle centered police department. The leadership of a law enforcement agency cannot hold an officer accountable to a standard that is not clearly defined, articulated, and communicated.
not a character failure. The Police Dynamics / Character First definition of Obedience is: This is not a behavior-based definition. This is a character-based definition.
A behavior-based definition might read something like this:
Our definition of Obedience is going to take us much deeper into the arena of character - which is the inward motivation of the heart. The countering character quality for Bitterness is Meekness. Do not confuse this with weakness. They rhyme, but that's about all they have in common.
The
Character Training Institute
defines Meekness as:
Meekness is a powerful character quality that has to do with keeping our emotions, particularly our anger, under control. The opposing character quality for a Wounded Spirit is Forgiveness. Don't think this is some touchy-feely, wimpy character quality designed to turn you into a lollipop-cop. Forgiveness is perhaps the most challenging and brutal character quality on the list. It is not for the faint of heart. Forgiveness is the key to restoring relationships. And, finally, the balancing quality for the Independent Spirit is Faithfulness. Faithfulness is: Acting in harmony with the principles of my authorities. Essentially, faithfulness is all about integrity - being who you represent yourself to be.
There you have it. The Path of Restoration is nothing more than a series of four character qualities. These qualities form an essential ethical foundation for police conduct. If these four qualities were practiced on a more consistent basis within our police departments, sheriff's offices, correctional facilities, and public safety agencies, we could fix most of our internal relationship problems. And I mean fix them. Most of the personnel problems and personality conflicts that plague us would simply go away. Many of the ethical failures that present difficult leadership challenges would cease to exist. Our agencies would be more effective and better regarded in the community. Citizens would trust us more and be willing to partner with us in our coactive efforts to fight crime. The added benefit is that our stress burden would be reduced. And that will help strengthen relationships at work and at home.
That's the power of character!
Go to Dynamic of Strongholds Return from Dynamic of Restoration to Police Dynamics Home Page
|
