The Ten Code: 10 Law Enforcement Principles for Victory in Life: Police Techniques for Personal Achievement

by National Police Association, Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith (Ret.) (foreword)

Cops run toward the shots, insert themselves into family fights and armed robberies in progress. They deliver babies and talk to school kids, they investigate murders, rescue stray dogs and deal with a wide variety of unique and novel issues 24 hours a day, seven days a week year after year after year. Police officers are the unseen person consistent in our day to day lives, the person who will show up in our worst moments to bring order to chaos and safety to dangerous situations. They're also our neighbors, our kid's soccer coach, our fellow food pantry volunteer or our Sunday school teacher. They are professionals who are constantly learning, training, and improving. Self-reflection comes naturally and easily to your average cop, largely because no one is more scrutinized. This book outlines the reasons why we should consider looking to the American law enforcement officer for tried-and-true principles for success in our daily lives.

214 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 2, 2024

Reviews

[Lou Florio · Rating 5 out of 5]

This text intends to use lessons learned from law enforcement's theoretical best practices and the practical experience of officers to provide anyone with better insights into ethics, leadership, and productivity. In short, they wish to help share "principles for victory in life." I believe they accomplished their mission admirably. The presentation is organized well with clear, concise language. They provide references and footnotes to validate their arguments, but this also can serve as a doorway to more study on the topic. Concrete methods are offered to help one improve in the skill areas addressed. Certainly, many argue that leadership cannot fully be learned. There is a genetic component. Others say personality influences daily practice. There might be sociological factors at play. At some level, these assumptions prove true, but they are not the final determining factors for a good outcome in life. Instruction, conversations, and self-reflection about the characteristics making someone more successful can absolutely enhance a person's innate skills - no matter where one might begin. Covering ten attributes or qualities for study, the authors identify issues clearly but also provide a range of paths forward that the reader can tailor to their context. They repeatedly offer clear examples, specific recommendations, and helpful methodologies for better success. As a former law enforcement Field Training Officer (FTO) with a police agency in the capital region, I wish I ha this book when training new officers. Yet as someone who has also served in the military, in business organizations, and the nonprofit world, I can see how this still can serve as a great primer for one's individual improvement or when training new employees or practitioners in any field. The language is understandable and accessible even as it refers to academic research. Thus, I think students, high school through post-graduate studies, can be among those whom benefit from this book. This book will surely prove a great addition to any community or school library. As a volunteer police chaplain, I think new chaplains will find this text illuminating and help them in their service - especially if new to police culture. Personally, I have had a great deal of leadership training and experience through military service, time in police agencies, on the board of a large nonprofit, and now in faith communities while I concurrently serve as a police chaplain. I can affirm that it helped clarify my own vision on these issues as well, and I recommend it highly - particularly to anyone entering the working world. [Disclosure: This review is based on a complimentary copy provided to me by the National Police Association in exchange for an honest review.]