Overcoming the Veteran Officer Rut A means for career survival

Why is it important to overcome the adversity? 1. You took an oath and received responsibilities. Responsibility to your community Responsibility to your profession Responsibility to those you serve and serve with

Why is it important to overcome the adversity? 2. Maintain your professionalism. Integrity Attitude Commitment Public Image

Why is it important to overcome adversity? FACT The average age of an officer who was decertified. 32 The average time in years an officer spent on the job before being decertified. 7.2 Is this relevant? Do you fit within this range.

“We are what we repeatedly do “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act but a habit.” Aristotle

Where could this all lead The Continuum of Compromise Stage 1: Increased Scrutiny Stage 2: The Compromise Begins Stage 3: A Sense of Victimization Stage 4: Acts of Omission Stage 5: Acts of Commission (Admin) Stage 6: Acts of Commission (Criminal)

“It’s not hard to make decisions when you know what your values are.” Roy Disney

Causes of the Rut 1. Mild Job Frustrations Opposition Change Dealing with personalities Training issues The anal supervisor What else could we add to this list?

Causes of the Rut 2. Cynicism Definition: The belief that people are motivated in all their actions only by selfishness. Consists of Mistrust and Hopelessness. Cynics have very little trust in Leadership.

Causes of the Rut 3. Employee Anger Uncontrolled and mismanaged anger is a major cause of internal workplace problems. Failing to resolve issues.

Causes of the Rut 4. Peer Pressure: The influence that is exerted on a person’s behavior by a friend, coworker or associate to do or not do something. Do you have the guts to stand up for what you know is right?

Ethical Dilemma Test Am I acting out of anger, lust or greed? Is my decision Legal? What if my family was standing beside me? How will it make me feel in 20 years? Is it worth my job and career?

Ethical Dilemma Test cont. What would I do if I were being video taped? Would my love ones be proud or ashamed? Am I following the golden rule?

“Success is not measured by what you accomplish but by the opposition you have encountered, and the courage with which you have maintained the struggle against overwhelming odds.” Orison Swett Marden

Combating the Veteran Officer Rut 1. Great role models: Actions speak louder than words. 2. Proper stress management: seek assistance if needed. 3. Stay true to yourself: Don’t fall prey to negative peer pressure. 4. Keep an open mind 5. Training and continued education

Dealing with the Veteran Officer Rut 6. Other possible solutions ?

“If you want to be successful, it’s simple; Know what your doing “If you want to be successful, it’s simple; Know what your doing. Love what you’re doing. And believe in what you’re doing.” Will Rogers

The Oath of Honor Honor, Integrity and Respect are never betrayed. I will always hold myself and others accountable for having the courage to do the right thing.

Do you posses the honor and integrity to stand up and give this oath? Say it, Sign it, Live it.