Elevate Your Call To Service

Boost Your Law Enforcement Career with Task Force Experience: Expert Tips from Joel White

Boost Your Law Enforcement Career with Task Force Experience: Expert Tips from Joel White
 
Does this sound familiar? You've been told that in order to enhance your career prospects as a law enforcement officer, you should simply work hard and wait for opportunities to come your way. But let's face it - that approach isn't yielding the results you desire. Instead, you're feeling the pain of stagnation, limited growth, and a lack of fulfilling professional opportunities. One way to break free is to investigate opportunities as a task force officer.
As Captain Joel White stumbled upon the task force realm of law enforcement, he was eager to learn. In embarking on a path that would forever shape his career, he discovered it was just the beginning of a story filled with twists and turns. Joel's determination and commitment would be put to the test. 
In this episode, we invite you to strengthen your leadership skills by discovering how to 
Enhance your career prospects by becoming a task force officer and gaining valuable experience in specialized investigations and operations
Uncover strategies for achieving work-life balance as a task force officer and learn from experienced officers who successfully manage the job demands.
Understand the importance of maintaining a strong connection with your home agency while serving on a task force. Learn how to navigate the unique challenges of balancing two agency loyalties.
Explore the limitations of staying in a task force role and gain insights into when it may be beneficial to transition back to your home agency to continue progressing in your career.
Unlock the value of task force experience and learn how to leverage it to further your career in law enforcement, whether that means pursuing specialized roles or advancing into leadership positions within your agency.
My guest, Captain Joel White, joined the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office in 1998 after serving in the US Marine Corps. He’s served in nearly every division of the Sheriff’s Office and as a member of the FBI Metro Gang task force and DEA drug task force. Joel currently serves as the captain over investigations and is the current bomb squad commander.  
 
Thank you for listening to the Elevate Your Call to Service Podcast. We've lost a lot of good law enforcement leaders because of politics, the national narrative, and increasing pressure and liabilities.
 
While this brings opportunities to reshape the profession and operate better than we have in the past, there’s a problem.Many newer and incoming officers lack the role models and mentors they need to navigate the challenges of the job. And even worse, some of our current leaders lack the seasoned development to truly inspire and guide future generations.
It's time to take back our justice system and restore true leadership. That's why we've assembled a team of leaders with a wide breadth of experience and sound leadership qualities to share their authentic and real-time insights.
 
We want to be part of the solution and give upcoming leaders the support they need. We’ve started a law enforcement podcast to do just that.
 
If you find value in today's episode, we ask that you give us a 5-star rating so that we can share our message with more law enforcement officers. Don't hesitate to share it with a colleague or a friend, and be sure to listen to our past and future episodes for more insights about succeeding at work and in life. 
 

The Way to Find Help in the Most Difficult of Days: Navigating a Line of Duty Death

The Way to Find Help in the Most Difficult of Days: Navigating a Line of Duty Death
Do you want to ensure that law enforcement professionals and agencies are better prepared and supported in case the worst happens? Today, I will be sharing a solution that will help you find a way forward for both your agency and your personnel in the event of a tragic event. As I talk with my special guest, Stephen Redfearn, you'll discover the invaluable support that’s available to Colorado law enforcement agencies and the help they need to continue offering their much-needed support.
In response to a need in our law enforcement community, Stephen Redfearn, who at that time was a member of the Aurora PD, found himself on a path he never anticipated. A new chief recognized the need for a formal response to line-of-duty deaths. And so, Stephen and a dedicated group of law enforcement professionals set out to create a new organization, a beacon of support and assistance during times of immense sorrow. But little did they know, this was just the beginning of an extraordinary journey.
Supporting Fallen Officers' Families
The Colorado Fallen Hero Foundation pledges its support to the grieving families of officers who've lost their lives on duty. Recognizing the profound impact of such tragedies, the foundation extends its help based on the specific needs of each affected family. Doing so not only honors the fallen heroes but also signifies the importance of community understanding and support during these testing times.
It's some of the most exhausting work I've ever been involved in. I've done a lot of different things in my career, but it's also been the most rewarding. - Stephen Redfearn
Enhancing Preparedness for Line-of-Duty Deaths
The impact of line-of-duty deaths on law enforcement officers and their families is undeniably significant. Stephen Redfearn underscored the importance of appropriate and organized response protocols in alleviating the emotional toll these incidents can impose. Having structured policies in place, departments can seamlessly navigate the tragic aftermath, thereby underscoring the concept of preparedness in the face of adversity.
Visit the Colorado Fallen Hero Foundation website at https://cofallenhero.org/

Building Trust Through Community Conversations

Building Trust Through Community Conversations
 
Tired of the disconnect between law enforcement and your community despite increased presence? Join us as we explore a fresh approach to crime prevention and community connection in this episode.
 
My guest, Scott Moore, a crime prevention specialist at the Louisville PD, shares insights on fostering trust and building authentic relationships within the community. Scott's passion for empowering community members to prevent crime and create safer environments shines through as he bridges the gap between law enforcement and the community.
 
Listen in as we explore key strategies for …
building trust and positive relationships, 
facilitating meaningful conversations, 
bridging divides, 
and being a positive advocate for your police department 
 
Join us and be part of the solution in building trust through community conversations. 
 
If you find our conversation helpful and insightful, we invite you to share it with a friend or colleague who can also benefit!

Transforming Police Culture: The Essential Role of Leaders in Building Trust

Welcome to Season 2 of the Elevate Your Call to Service Podcast! 
 
In our first episode this season, you’ll discover how law enforcement leaders can transform their organizations and strengthen community relationships. Learn about the pivotal role leaders play in shaping a positive police culture and take actionable steps to create a more effective and trusted law enforcement agency.
 
In this episode, you'll explore:
 
The essential role of leaders in building trust within the community
Strategies to address internal issues and improve law enforcement practices
An actionable plan tailored for law enforcement leaders
The impact of comprehensive training programs on officers' skills
Building trust and cooperation through strategic community partnerships
 
Transforming police culture starts with small, consistent actions. Join us and discover how effective leadership can create a positive and trusted police culture, benefiting both your department and the community.
 
For additional resources and insights, visit www.leleaders.com and download our free guide, "Ten Questions to Consider Before Your Next Promotion," to help you prepare for a leadership role in law enforcement. 
 
If you find this episode helpful, we ask that you share it with a friend or colleague who will benefit from it’s content. And be sure to listen to our past and future episodes for more insights. www.leleaders.com

Season 1 Recap

We want to thank our listeners for making season 1 so special! Here is what to expect in season 2! 

Courage in Action: A Journey to Stronger First Responder Mental Health

In Episode 16, host Mike McIntosh sits down with Nick Metz, a retired police chief and advocate for strong mental health support for first responders. Together, they delve into the unique challenges faced by those on the frontlines and explore the vital importance of prioritizing mental health and wellness within the first responder community.
 
Nick Metz sheds light on the specific emotional and psychological struggles that first responders often encounter due to their exposure to trauma and high-pressure situations. He advocates for a holistic approach to wellness, incorporating counseling, physical fitness, and peer support.
 
The conversation delves into the significance of leadership in creating a positive organizational culture that emphasizes mental health and support services. Nick shares the importance of investing in mental health resources and promoting a safe and supportive environment.
 
In this episode, listeners gain valuable takeaways, including the significance of taking emotional risks, prioritizing family well-being, encouraging open conversations about mental health, and fostering a supportive environment that values vulnerability. Whether you're a first responder, leader, or supporter, this episode offers invaluable insights into promoting mental health and wellness within the first responder community.
 
Tune in to Episode 16 and join the conversation as they raise awareness about the challenges first responders face and the importance of holistic approaches to support their mental well-being. Together, let's break the stigma and provide the care and support our brave first responders deserve.
 
View our show notes at https://www.leleaders.com/elevate/first-responder-mental-health
 
For more details on the LevelUp Conference, visit:  https://www.levelupconference.org/
 
To learn about Revital Colorado, visit:  https://www.revitalcolorado.org/

Cops at Heart: Love and Struggles in Law Enforcement Families

In this heartfelt episode, we delve into the delicate balancing act faced by those in law enforcement, shedding light on the struggle to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Hear from seasoned law enforcement officer Derek Dummar and his wife Alicia as they candidly discuss the unique stresses of the job and the impact on their personal lives. Topics in this candid conversation include confronting traumatic incidents, understanding the crucial role of mental health professionals, and dealing with societal perceptions of the profession. The episode stresses the importance of open communication, strong support networks, and their importance to surviving and thriving in this demanding field.
 
This episode is a must-listen for anyone in law enforcement, their families, and anyone seeking to understand the trials and triumphs of those who wear the badge.
 
View our show notes at https://www.leleaders.com/elevate/law-enforcement-families

Organizational Leadership and The Importance of Trust in Law Enforcement

In today’s episode, Mike meets with Dr. Paul Taylor to talk about addressing and resolving the trust issues that exist within law enforcement organizations. It emphasizes that trust is a two-way street and is fundamental not only between the community and its police force but also within the force itself.  
 
The discussion outlines a strategic plan to combat the trust deficit, which includes identifying the trust issues, strategizing for trust building, and implementing the trust strategy. It emphasizes the need for recognizing achievements, empowering adaptive decision-making, fostering a learning environment, and implementing policies and procedures that reflect the realities of law enforcement. 
 
The overarching goal of the episode is to guide law enforcement leaders in their journey toward healthier organizational leadership by rebuilding trust within their organizations.
 

Who’s In Charge? The Surprising Effects of Leadership Styles in Law Enforcement

Our latest episode, “Who's In Charge? The Surprising Effects of Leadership Styles in Law Enforcement,”  delves into the nuances of understanding your role as a leader, with a focus on how effective leadership evolves from the operational 'on-the-ground' level to more strategic or oversight roles that develop with advancements in rank.
 
The conversation explores concepts like servant leadership, the role of informal leaders, and the potential problem of over-reliance on such leaders leading to burnout. It also confronts the need for leaders to adapt based on situational demands, the importance of ethics and integrity, and the critical elements of trust and respect within a team.
 
This episode is about fostering effective, respectful, and adaptable leadership in high-stress, dynamic environments like law enforcement, with insights applicable to various leadership scenarios.
 
Leadership is not a title; it's an action. Embark on this journey and unlock your full potential as a leader today!

Can Proactive Leadership Influence Generations in Law Enforcement

In today's episode, we hear from our guest, Andrew Hadley who shares his observations about two types of leaders: those who truly care about developing their teams, and some who only care about preserving the status quo. It's like there are two different worlds of leadership!
 
And it gets more interesting when we look at different generations. In the past, we saw a common "do as you're told" leadership style, but younger people want to know "why" they're doing something. In today’s generations, the "why" matters just as much as the "what"!
 
Developing and training new leaders is critical. Some leaders might feel threatened by change or worry about losing their jobs, but Andrew makes a strong point: true leaders think about their teams and their mission first, not just about staying comfortable. 
 
Leaders have to be ready for new rules, make sure officers are doing the right thing, and create a positive culture. The most effective leaders are active, support their officers, show humility, and take pride in developing the next generation of leaders. 
 
Whether you're an experienced pro or just starting out, you'll find nuggets of wisdom and practical ideas that can make you a better leader.