What does "servant leadership" in law enforcement prioritize?

Servant leadership in law enforcement emphasizes prioritizing the needs of both the community and the officers. This leadership style focuses on serving others, which means that leaders within a law enforcement agency strive to uplift and empower their teams while also being responsive to the needs of the community they serve. By doing so, they foster a culture of trust, collaboration, and mutual respect. This approach can lead to improved morale within the department, better relationships with community members, and ultimately more effective policing.

The concept contrasts with traditional leadership models that prioritize authority and control over subordinates. It is also different from rigid adherence to policies that may not consider the human aspects of leadership or community engagement. While maximizing department resources is important, servant leadership recognizes that the true measure of effectiveness lies in how well the agency fulfills its mission of serving and protecting the community while also supporting the well-being of its officers.