Police Service has leadership material

THE EDITOR: It was with great concern — and perhaps embarrassment — that I recently read in the media that government is experiencing difficulty in appointing the next commissioner of police; that official thinking was that we need somebody who has management skills and ability, since none among the top brass seem to be so endowed. I also read of the possibility that our next commissioner may be from a foreign country.

If what I have been made to understand is true, then may God step in and help us. I cannot believe that with 40 years of independence behind us we have not been able to develop a culture of excellence and a tradition of best practice. What role has succession planning been playing all these years? Were we really operating “just so” all this time? In this country we seem not to believe that there is a fundamental difference between management and leadership. While management is essentially task oriented and concerned with servicing the routine, leadership tends to be more transformational. People, according to the literature, want leaders who are honest, forward-looking, competent, and inspiring. Such individuals do not casually emerge. Indeed, it takes great thought, care, insight, commitment, and energy to become a good leader.

I have every reason to believe that the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service has among its membership some brilliant men and women who can match the best any foreign commissioner can offer. Further they are part of the culture, which they know well. If we are serious about the future of this country, now is the time to start creating that culture of pride and excellence as well as that tradition of best practice. Now is also the time to initiate a programme of leadership training for eligible officers. Let the principle of seniority not be a problem. The Peter Principle has reigned for too long. Change for the better must be the order of the day. Yes, my readers! The issue is not just management skills. It is about finding someone who believes in a legacy for Trinidad and Tobago — someone who is in possession of the necessary intellect, sound emotional intelligence, excellent social skills, profound police experience, enviable ethical standards, and a transformational leadership style.

By way of conclusion, I urge the relevant authorities to reconceptualise their thinking on the appointment of the next commissioner of police. The time has come for us to focus on long term solutions rather than on ad hoc measures.

RAYMOND S HACKETT
Curepe