Don’t Just Set Your Goals - Write Them Down

As the winter chill sets in here in Idaho, I am reminded that another year is coming to an end. By the time you get this issue, Thanksgiving will be over and Christmas will be right around the corner. We’ll all be another year older and maybe a little bit wiser.

Our last issue for 2018 varies from other issues in that the bulk of the pages consist of our 2019 Buyer’s Guide, which you can find here. You will also find our review of this year’s IACP Conference, including coverage of President Trump’s in-person speech, here.

One of my favorite things about IACP is attending the education sessions. This year I had the pleasure of sitting in on Fort Collins Police Department Public Relations Manager Kate Kimble’s presentation on how to break your own news as an agency. Kimble noted that when it comes to a crisis in law enforcement, agencies must address the story rather than hope it will go away. “Breaking your news can control the message and increase transparency,” she said. “Get good news out fast and bad news out faster.” Senior leadership should have a communications plan in place prior to a crisis hitting, in addition to reviewing case studies and paying attention to how other agencies around the U.S. release information. In the age of social media and 24/7 news, having a communications strategy in place is critical for all law enforcement agencies, regardless of size. Were there times this year that you wished your team had a communications strategy in place prior to a crisis hitting? Maybe that’s a goal you and your team can set for 2019.

Each December I take time to think back on how the year went professionally—to remind myself of the successes that were had and the challenges that need to be overcome as a team and on my own. Readers, how many of you are goal-setters? Do you write your goals out for the upcoming year or do you take mental notes? Simon Sinek, an author and motivational speaker who has spoken several times at IACP says, “You must write down your goals. Your goals must be tangible…If you don’t write down your goals, if you can’t see your goals, it’s very hard to get motivated, to get inspired.” One of my goals for next year is to go on at least two ridealongs with different law enforcement agencies, ideally from two separate states. It’s a small goal, but one that is realistic and part of my overarching plan to increase my education about challenges at the patrol level.

What are your goals in 2019 personally and as an agency? Let me know at [email protected]. Your responses could be published in our January 2019 issue.

As we round out this year, we remember those who gave their life, were injured and disabled in the line of duty in 2018. Your sacrifice will not be forgotten. Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, readers.

Adrienne