How to become A Police Commissioner

They may be tagged as babysitters, social workers, tough cookies, or paper-pushers. However, the fact of the matter is Police Commissioners must perform all those roles and more to safeguard their cities and bring peace to their communities.

• Police and Crime Commissioner
• Member of Board of Police Commissioners

What do Police Commissioners do?

A Police Commissioner would typically need to:

• Deliver responsible and efficient police services within their jurisdiction to build confidence and restore trust among the public that their needs will be met
• Ensure compliance with the law and law enforcement; take appropriate action to prevent or deal with the breaking of laws
• Develop, launch, implement, and support community policing programmes to mitigate crime and the fear of crime in their sphere of influence
• Manage, monitor, and evaluate departmental activities and operations whether working solo or on behalf of a Board of Police Commissioners
• Promote prospective departmental rules and regulations in the interests of good governance
• Hold regular meetings to define prescribed departmental schedules and deadlines
• See to it that adopted rules and regulations are duly implemented and enforced across the department
• Recruit, appraise, promote, supervise, and fire civilian and non-civilian departmental employees per applicable laws
• Reassign, promote or demote officers from their current roles to ensure successful execution of new ideas or techniques
• Set general policy and administrative norms; prepare and submit an annual budget, including proper allocation of relevant resources
• Integrate the activities of affiliated divisions, such as patrol services, criminal investigations, and code enforcement
• Develop practical and adaptable investigative strategies that can guarantee efficient and timely data collection
• Make sure information gathered during an investigation or surveillance remains confidential
• Carry out essential safety inspections to identify, report and mitigate potential hazards and secuirty breaches
• Offer educated advice on risk management policies and prevention strategies and their implementation
• Establish clear lines of communication between various government agencies, the local community, and the police department to guarantee smooth policing
• Conduct periodic, public meetings to discuss appropriate community concerns and policy issues
• Prepare work-related reports that showcase exemplary relationship management and efficient documentation and record keeping
• Formulate and furnish clear and concise official results and conclusions that can be easily understood by a lay audience
• Remain on call 24/7 for police emergencies; connect the dots but leave the finer details for the chief to handle, if working alongside a chief of police

The duties of a Police Commissioner require them to work in multiple settings, including their office in the police department, crime scenes, politicians' offices, or in the public eye during press conferences. 

Most cities require a Police Commissioner to live in the city to enable easy access.

Under normal circumstances, Police Commissioners may work 40-hour weeks, with meetings, workshops, and events extending beyond regular working hours. You must be available 24/7/365 in case of emergencies.

Usually, Police Commissioners are appointed by the government from within the exalted ranks of veteran police officials. It is also possible that competent civilians who can donate time to their city while pursuing their professional careers may be appointed by the mayor and confirmed by the City Council as members of a Board of Police Commissioners.

Police Commissioners are generally employed by:

• Police Departments
• City Councils
• Municipality Councils
• Local Government Agencies

Professional associations and organisations, such as the International Police Association (IPA), are crucial for Police Commissioners interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation. Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.

• Issues with recruitment due to lack of generational interest in joining law enforcement
• Emotional and physical stress caused by dealing with high-stakes situations
• Exhaustion due to working long hours and weekends
• Dealing with miscommunication between departments
• Personal vulnerability owing to being in the public eye
• Responsibility for the actions of the entire department

To discharge their duties efficiently, Police Commissioners must be familiar with departmental laws, rules and regulations, and principles and practices of law enforcement.

They must be capable of smart administration and budgeting, effective communication, practical employee evaluation, relevant problem-solving and decision-making skills, sound judgment, tact, initiative and resourcefulness.

In addition, wise Police Commissioners must build and maintain collaborative relationships with the public and other government agencies.

Therefore, aspirants must have at least ten years of law enforcement experience in some locations, two of which must be at a rank higher than that of a police officer. 

A relevant bachelor’s degree from a reputed institution and six years of law enforcement experience, including two years at a rank higher than that of a police officer, is a viable alternative. Also acceptable is an appropriate combination of the academic qualifications and experience.

Candidates who lead by example, induce significant changes and reforms and promote employee morale while rising through law enforcement, the armed forces, correctional services, or corporate management also stand a chance of being selected as the next Police Commissioner.

A commendable track record as a detective/criminal justice lawyer or completing an executive law enforcement training programme may also prove valuable in bagging the post.

Read about the profession and interview or job shadow praise-worthy individuals in relevant fields to prove your commitment to course providers and prospective employers.

Specific academic requirements may vary based on the country and department that employs the Police Commissioner.

As a rule, police departments require that the candidate hold at least a bachelor's degree from a recognised college or university, ideally in criminal justice or business administration. One in police science, management, law or public/government administration is a suitable alternative.

Becoming a Police Commissioner with just a GED (General Educational Development) certificate or high school diploma is possible.

High school criminal law, psychology, physical education, and public speaking classes can help set you up for this career at its early stages.

Bear in mind that completing a particular academic course does not guarantee your entry into the profession. Be that as it may, your professional qualifications may open more than one door.

Do your homework and look into all available options for education and employment before enrolling in a specific programme. Reliable sources who may help you reach an educated decision include associations and employers in this field.

Certification demonstrates a Police Commissioner’s competence in a skill set, typically through work experience, training, and passing an examination. Successful certification programs protect public welfare by incorporating a Code of Ethics.

Accredited certification in law enforcement analysis and criminal investigation will help you stand out amongst other applicants. Additional credentials that prove your mastery of firearms, conflict management, de-escalation, public speaking, and leadership skills will enable you to discharge your duties effectively. 

Extensive background checks, medical examinations, and psychological evaluations are mandatory for anyone applying to this position.

Personal performance and experience drive the career progression of a Police Commissioner, who already holds the highest rank within law enforcement.

Further advancement may mean taking on the responsibility for a larger jurisdiction or specialisation in a specific area of policing. You may also opt for a career change to politics or governmental administration.

Candidates with bachelor's degrees in criminal justice or business administration and ten or more years of experience in law enforcement have the best job prospects.

Continuing professional development (CPD) will help an active Police Commissioner build personal skills and proficiency through work-based learning, a professional activity, 

formal education, or self-directed learning.

Police Commissioners receive sustained training on leadership, conflict management, budget management, and operational excellence. When combined with streamlined networking, they will help you continue to build an honourable reputation in the profession.

Board of Commissioners vs Sworn Police Commissioners

Some police departments are led by a Board of Commissioners comprising a small group of exemplary civilian volunteers who set the annual departmental goals and policies as the voice of the people in law enforcement. 

While pledging 20-25 hours per week to guarantee that implemented initiatives and projects sync with the local community's goals, they rely on the Chief of Police - a sworn police officer - to take care of the administrative side of law enforcement.

By contrast, sworn Police Commissioners are seasoned police officers who have made their presence known in law enforcement. The significant experience they amass empowers these committed officials to establish vital departmental goals and projects and to bear sole responsibility for their insightful execution.

Chief of Police vs Police Commissioner

While the Chief of Police and Police Commissioner serve similar functions in the police department, the differences between these positions come down to the geographical area under their jurisdiction.

The Chief of Police is the highest-ranking officer in departments policing smaller geographical regions. However, they assist a Police Commissioner or a Board of Commissioners in running the department efficiently in large metropolitan areas.

Police officers who commit minor offences, such as illegal parking or littering, may wear a bright pink Hello Kitty armband as punishment for a few days without disclosing their misdemeanour.

The job has few rewards, and nobody envies their position, but Police Commissioners who strive to make their community a better place to live in, carry the heavy burden with grit and passion tempered by a well-tuned moral compass.

The police must obey the law while enforcing the law.

-Earl Warren