Chief Gerald Garner

Chief Gerald Garner recently retired after 54 years in law enforcement, 20 of them spent as CEO at three different departments. Chief Garner has lectured widely on law enforcement leadership. He has authored 16 books and over 200 articles on law enforcement topics. He holds a master’s degree in administration of justice.

LATEST ARTICLES

The Police Leader Playbook

Leadership development series: Why performance evaluations are a critical leadership skill

The performance evaluation is one of a supervisor’s most important opportunities to coach employees, reinforce accountability and develop future leaders

June 22, 2026 12:44 PM

Chief Gerald Garner

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Officer Safety

Safety isn’t luck: The lessons officers can’t afford to ignore

Close calls, “safety stupid” mistakes and years on the street shaped one retired police chief’s understanding of what truly keeps cops alive

May 15, 2026 10:09 AM

Chief Gerald Garner

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Police Jobs & Careers

Politics or poor choices? How police officers derail their own careers

Drawing on five decades in law enforcement, a retired chief highlights the behaviors that stall officers’ advancement — and the mindset that helps build a strong, respected career

March 12, 2026 05:08 PM

Chief Gerald Garner

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Command Staff - Chiefs / Sheriffs

What 54 years in policing taught me about leadership

If you are a law enforcement leader — or aspire to be — here is an experience-proven list of what cops want from their leaders

February 12, 2026 05:36 PM

Chief Gerald Garner