A POLICE CHIEF SPEAKS OF LOVE
Press Herald, ME - Portland Police Chief James Craig told a group of civic leaders that love can be an important quality in police work. Craig spoke to about 100 people gathered for the Institute for Civic Leadership's Leadership in Action Breakfast Series at the Mariner's Church. The title of his talk was "What's love got to do with it? Leadership lessons from the beat."
Craig described how as a Los Angeles officer he was assigned to some of that city's most gang-infested neighborhoods. It became apparent that youth were attracted to gangs because that's where they found love and security.
Effective policing meant providing alternatives to young people, he said. He cited one middle school program where officers ran a sort of "boot camp" two afternoons a week and on Saturday mornings for the most challenging students.
The military approach helped curb the students misbehavior but also led to relationships with the officers.
"Some of these young people never heard the word love, especially from an adult who will look them in the eye," Craig said.
The emotion doesn't need to be articulated to be felt, he said.
"Certainly, the gang members when he's trying to get a new recruit, doesn't say 'I love you' and rarely do you see a police officer use the word love," he said. "It's about action. "
"If you are truly passionate and care about your community, you must love people," he said. "You can't serve if you don't love."
Craig described how as a Los Angeles officer he was assigned to some of that city's most gang-infested neighborhoods. It became apparent that youth were attracted to gangs because that's where they found love and security.
Effective policing meant providing alternatives to young people, he said. He cited one middle school program where officers ran a sort of "boot camp" two afternoons a week and on Saturday mornings for the most challenging students.
The military approach helped curb the students misbehavior but also led to relationships with the officers.
"Some of these young people never heard the word love, especially from an adult who will look them in the eye," Craig said.
The emotion doesn't need to be articulated to be felt, he said.
"Certainly, the gang members when he's trying to get a new recruit, doesn't say 'I love you' and rarely do you see a police officer use the word love," he said. "It's about action. "
"If you are truly passionate and care about your community, you must love people," he said. "You can't serve if you don't love."
posted by TPR | 11:36 AM
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