The next chief (Conclusion)

There is also the matter of trust and confidence, where a good chief of police can be counted on for the job, ready to show up with discipline as, after all, “policing” is based on rules, regulations and laws in order to uphold the law.

So what should we expect from a police chief? A visible and accessible leader who deliberately strives to improve the effectiveness of police services. The leadership ability of a chief and his decisiveness are the single most important ingredient in the PNP. He is that person at the top who is willing to take risks and take innovative steps to achieve the goals of the institution he serves.

The chief sets the tone for the agency and through his words and deeds is able to set a concrete crime control philosophy as well as crime prevention practices. A strong effective police chief will not hesitate to make public stands on controversial issues that face the community – he is also the guardian of the rule of law and our democratic values. As the highest ranking officer in the police department, effective communication helps in building trust, especially in very unpredictable situations.

As we wait for the next chief, it is crucial to remember that Filipinos are banking on better peace and order programs within their communities and, objectively speaking, the right man for the job is the one who is ready to take the next step in this new position without fear or intimidation but with a good listening ear for the people.