Expert: Loren Stevens - 1/6/2010

Question
QUESTION: hello, my name is Joseph and i have just recently enrolled in a criminal justice program at my school.  both of my grandfathers (my mother and father's side# are retired police officers Chicago, and my father's father was also involved in the sheriffs department #after retiring from the Chicago pd# for a few years.  both of them are very knowledgeable in this field but both of them seem to have very cut and dry views pertaining to the job itself.  

I know that this modern age is full of a P.C. environment, and both of my grandfathers' hay days were from back when the King riots happened. They also tell me about how bad department politics were back in the day as well.

my question is this:
what should i expect as i further prepare myself for my career in police work, in relation to politics, political correct-ness #for lack of a better word off the top of my head# and any other hang ups i might face trying to reach a higher rank like my grandfathers did.

thank you for your time!

ANSWER: Hello Joseph,
As you might suspect, much is the same, and much is different in all of law enforcement, not just in Cook County.
Certainly, in a strong Mayor or City Manager run city, "things" can get a bit complicated from time to time... But there is still one significant reality. No matter what the political environment, there will always be a demand for competence.
It's not a perfect world, and there will always be a slice of human frailties in the mix. My best counsel, is to be very academically prepared, and very productive in all of your assignments.
Don't get tangled up in picayune entanglements. Usually, there is little if anything to gain, and lots to lose, for a career officer.
With the diversity and sensitivity demands at the work place, you could make the argument that this is little more than good manners, and tolerance of social variations.
And, you'll discover that about every sliver and slice of society is "protected" by some extraordinary legislative initiative or another, save one.
It is imperative, that you learn, know and respond to agency rules. It's just that simple. And, even the rules that you may view as an annoyance, are still important somewhere along the line...to somebody.
You mentioned King era. I assume you mean the Rodney King case.
If I am not mistaken, and recall that particular case...Mr. King was struck 66 times, by the involved officers. And yet, the court ruled that only the last 6 blows were deemed excessive. It's about "compliance", and 4th Amendment issues.
Along with learning your agency rules, learn the law, and that is strong on 4th Amendment issues.
"Politics" cannot be taken out of any equation, as it is part of a social fabric. There is formal politics, and informal politics. The interrelationships get a bit messy sometimes. You'll learn how to navigate through these waters.
In today's law enforcement, there is more transparency, and accountability. There needs to be more discipline for a variety of reasons. You can pretty much figure, that most of the agency SOP's, have a base in some prior litigation.
And, you should know, that it is normal, that an agency will allocate approximately 6-8% of their fiscal appropriation to legal issues, settlements, suits etc.
Many of the things you'll perceive as petty, can be traced back to a stupid behavior by somebody, that cost the agency either money, or embarrassment, or both.
But please, listen to the wisdom of family and friends with prior experience, but don't get frozen by it either. Pay attention to internal survivor counsel, and various paths for promotional opportunities.
Spend time enhancing your written and oral communication skill-sets, as it is HUGE, to have these qualities, and be able to express yourself in an impressive manner.
Hope this is helpful.
Also, I would urge you to consider going for a double major, no minor at school. The difference is something like 8-10 credits. Nobody cares much about anybodies minor. But, two majors is like two degrees of equal strength, in two fields. Electives are so often used to take junk classes, to boost a gpa...waste of time, in my humble view. And, consider two majors in complementing areas of study. Chat with your academic adviser about it..
Good Luck,
loren

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: loren,

actually i was refering to the riots after Martin Luther King Jr's assasination.  the rodney king riots actually happened the same year both of them retired.

my follow up question, which i will also talk to my advisor about, is when you say complementing areas of study do you mean say crim justice AND psycology? (that's just an example)
thanks so much for your time and your answer  

Answer
Hello Joseph,
Yes, I like the idea of a double major, and generally two complimenting areas of study.
Think about a Community College for the first two years of study, and get all the CORE requirements completed, for under graduate, lower division needs...Only take classes that will transfer to a four your program.
If military service is in your plans, negotiate with a recruiter about an MOS in the law enforcement field. This is good experience, and lots of schools along the way. Also, you'll be eligible for GI Bill benefits upon discharge.
Also most local and state agencies reimburse tuition costs for employees...but don't figure on taking college the first two years on the agency, as you'll be too busy for that, as you learn the fundamentals.
I would recommend some college prior to applying for hire. It just tends to present you as a more attractive candidate, when only a HS diploma is required. And, not necessarily "police" type classes...rather, focus on written and oral communication classes, and you'll never regret it.
Being articulate, and able to convey your position in an oral examination is a favorable posture, ceteris-paribus.
There are many subject areas you could double major up to, depending on your interests, and abilities.
I opted for a Political Sci/Secondary Ed double major, for my BS degree. My thinking, was that I could still earn a living, and support my family as an educator, in the event I got shot up, or busted up and no longer able to be a police officer.
I also had a AA degree in criminal Justice, and lots of post graduate study in police administration etc.
It just depends on where you see your career heading, and how you want to enhance those interests.
I would also load up on as many First Aid certs as you can, as they are relevant, and illustrate initiative.
Also, there are an abundance of FREE courses you can complete on line, from FEMA, OSHA and similar type study. Again, it illustrates initiative, beyond mere chatter, and reinforced by accomplishment..
Think about a part time job at an agency, performing non police services, like cadet, courier etc. This gets you "insider" knowledge, on organizational issues, staffing patterns, SOP's, distribution of work, Internal sensitivities, cultural interests, who is who etc..
Naturally, the more computer literate you are will be helpful. And, if you plan on joining an agency where it would be helpful to know a second language, you can prepare for that as well.
If you intend to be "upwardly mobile", learn budgets, process, management and supervision subjects.
Hope this is helpful, and please know, that this is opinion based.
Good Luck,
loren