Together We Can Achieve the Extraordinary

Graduation ceremonies for the School of Police Staff and Command serve as one of the most poignant reminders of why we at the Center for Public Safety come to work every day. When we present the law enforcement leaders with their certificates, pins, and special awards, we share in their pride. Even though the journey through the ten-week program can be extremely challenging, we are always amazed at how each class finds a way to come together as a unit and to work with each person to make sure that each person succeeds. At the graduation ceremony for SPSC 223, Class President, Bellwood Police Chief Robert Collins summed up his experience with this passionate plea for excellence and professionalism.

When we started this journey 18 weeks ago, none of us could quite clearly see this day on the horizon. But finally, we've made it. We've been tested, quizzed, analyzed, staff studied, highlighted, and power pointed more than I care to remember. But as we advance through our careers and look back on this experience, we will see and understand what this was all for. Each of us has acquired valuable and useful tools that will assist us and also enhance our careers. The subjects that we've covered are too numerous to mention, but from time to time I take a step back and reflect on some of the terms and phrases that we've now grown accustomed to. Terms like leadership, discipline, motivation, self-efficacy, and change agent.

I would like to focus on that one for a moment. Change agent, the person who facilitates or takes responsibility for positive change in an organization. So, I ask you who in this room is a change agent. We all have the ability to become a change agent. Not only do we have the ability, but also we have a responsibility to initiate positive change. In fact, our obligation to the very public that we serve compels us to ensure that there is integrity, unity, professionalism, and honor within the walls of the police department. We must do these very things so that we can be respected outside of the police department. We do not have to settle for anything less, and if we do... maybe we shouldn't be here. If you are not part of the solution, then you are part of the problem.

Now I've heard stories and tall tales of "it doesn't matter what I do because they'll never change," or "they don't listen, so why should I care?" If you take that attitude, or you already wear that jacket, then things will never change. Those are self-fulfilling prophecies, cancers within the organization. You need to get the attention of your chief, your boss. Find a way. Do whatever it takes. There is always something you can do to foster positive change. I'll admit, positive change needs to start at the top. How can I steer my ship in the right direction if I'm unwilling to turn the wheel. I can't even hope to know what's going on in my department unless I open my eyes, open my ears, and open my mind. So when that change agent, whomever it may be, comes to me and says "chief, I need to talk to you," I know I had better be ready to hear what has to be said.

If you absolutely cannot encourage that change up the chain of command, then work your way down. Mentor someone. Take someone under your wing and guide him or her. Plant the seeds of success in the minds of your young officers and watch them grow into fine law enforcement professionals. Teach them to depend on each other. Demonstrate teamwork. Together we can achieve the extraordinary. Benjamin Franklin once said, "we must all hang together or we will surely hang separately." I believe  that you can all make a difference. I believe that we can all make an impact. If we take even a little bit of what we've learned in this course and apply it, we can leave an indelible impression of professionalism on our departments. What will you be remembered for after you are gone? I know what I want my legacy to be. What will yours be?