A-GAMERS…
Are Not Afraid to Discipline
First…They confront the small things
Second…You teach what you tolerate
Third…As iron sharpens iron, so does one man sharpen another
NOTES:
Discipline is often looked at as negative and those who exert discipline over another (supervisor to an officer) are disliked, maligned, or develop poor reputations. In law enforcement, discipline is GOOD, even when it is punitive. Discipline helps officers improve, protects the organization, decreases liability and future potential complaints, and adds to professionalism. Sometimes a reprimand or day off is exactly the best remedy to resolve misconduct or poor behavior and disciplined officers usually come back smarter and more self-disciplined than they were before. Those who dislike law enforcement discipline simply don’t understand it. None of us enjoy when a supervisor yanks us back by the collar as we try to go down the path we chose, but sometimes that simple intervention keeps us from walking off a cliff.
HOW IT RELATES TO PROMOTION:
Imagine a testing panel who viewed a promotional candidate as being weak on discipline or whose persona represented a buddy instead of a supervisor. Supervisors and managers who lack the ability to confront poor behavior, misconduct (big or small), or any type of unprofessional conduct are in the wrong position. We teach what we tolerate and if supervisors or managers take the easy path of inaction, they have set a new low standard and have compromised their supervisory integrity. Panel members want to see a firm and fair candidate, who will not waffle, will enforce policy, confront the small issues, and who choose professionalism over popularity.
