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How to Become a Police Chief

How to Become a Police Chief

Instructor(s):
  • Harry P. Dolan
    Chief of Police (Ret.)
Location:
  • Webinar, N/A
Date(s):
  • Jul 20, 2023
Course Length:
  • 2-hour
Registration Fee:
    • $125.00 for the first attendee – $75.00 per each additional attendee

Serving as a chief of police is one of the most honorable and rewarding roles in law enforcement, but it can also be one of the most challenging for the men and women who accept the call.

This webinar provides you with the opportunity to spend time with a police chief veteran who successfully traveled down the road to chief four separate times. Chief Harry P. Dolan served more than 32 years in law enforcement, with 25 of those years as a chief. He successfully competed for chief appointments at four separate agencies, from a small state agency, to a small city, to a medium-sized city, to a major metropolitan city. In this webinar, Chief Dolan walks us through the critical steps to securing a career as a chief.

  • What does it take to become a Police Chief: Do I really have what it takes?
  • Critical facts to consider BEFORE deciding to apply for the job: Starting and ending with you and your family intact
  • Understanding the various types of selection processes: Surviving the “Hurdles”
  • Navigating city hall, community, and police department political interests: Avoiding “Land Mines”
  • What is the Mayor/City Manager really looking for in their next Police Chief: What factors influence the decision to look inside vs. outside
  • How much homework should I do: Getting a firm grasp of current issues and events vs. “I have a plan for you”
  • Looks like you are getting the job offer: How should I proceed with negotiating a political appointment, contract or civil service offer?
  • Waiting to start the new job: Do’s and don’ts before arriving at the new job
  • Introducing the “New Chief”: Recommendations regarding your first steps from the 25-Year School of Hard Knocks

Testimonials

Hiring and Retiring Healthy

  • “Thank you for doing this training! Every law enforcement & their families should have this training! SO IMPORTANT!”

-Detective, Utah

Verbal De-escalation: Surviving Verbal Conflict

  • “…Lt. Nieters’ ability to teach this class truly gripped me into seeing [that] I need a change. Hope to attend further training.”

-Patrolman, South Carolina

Improving Public Perception of the Police

  • “Harry Dolan was one of the best instructors I have encountered in 28 years of service.”

-Lieutenant, Wisconsin

Courageous Leadership for Today’s Public Safety

  • “Chief Dolan seamlessly fused his knowledge of history, law enforcement and leadership to provide a wealth of information on this topic. Two days flew by, great course!”

-Officer, Pennsylvania

Homicide Investigation

  • “This course was one of the best & most informative courses I have ever taken. Capt. Babcock’s expertise in the course matter is excellent.’

-Deputy, Florida

Making Discipline Stick

  • “I would consider Matt to be a master orator. Kept a serious topic interesting with his unique and fantastic sense of humor.”

-Detective, South Dakota

Verbal De-escalation

  • “One of/if not the best training I’ve attended. Chief’s lectures were relatable, accurate, and captivating. I really enjoyed the entire week.”

-Officer, Virginia

Taking the Lead: Courageous Leadership

  • “Very well done. [I] look forward to sending my police leaders to future Dolan Consulting Group trainings!

- Chief, Pennsylvania

Evidence-Based First-Line Supervision Training

  • “This should be required for ALL leaders (or people in command) across the nation.”

-Sergeant, Texas

Verbal De-escalation: Surviving Verbal Conflict

  • “I’ve sent 2 of my team members to Verbal De-Escalation. I’ve had it & it’s an amazing class. After encounters, I see the 180 degree difference in these young officers! I will petition to send all of them.”

-Attendee, North Carolina

Developing Organizational Performance Leadership