By Chief Michael A. Assad Jr., MSCJ
In the realm of law enforcement, effective communication is vital — not only between officers and the community but also within the department itself. One often-overlooked tool that can significantly enhance internal communication and culture is the humble comment box. While it may seem simplistic, this mechanism can be a powerful asset for fostering a positive work environment and encouraging open dialogue among officers. One of the most effective tools implemented at the Rochester Police Department has been the comment box.
Encouraging open dialogue
The comment box serves as a safe space for officers to express their thoughts, concerns and suggestions without fear of judgment or repercussions. In a profession where the stakes are high and stress is a constant companion, providing an avenue for candid feedback can be invaluable. Officers may hesitate to voice their opinions during meetings or discussions, fearing that their views may be met with resistance or misunderstanding. The anonymity of a comment box empowers them to speak freely, fostering a culture of openness and trust.
By encouraging officers to share their insights, comment boxes can help identify issues that may not be visible to department leadership. Whether it’s concerns about workload, recommendations for training, or suggestions for improving operations, this feedback can inform decisions that lead to meaningful changes within the department.
Strengthening team cohesion
A comment box can also serve as a tool for building camaraderie and team cohesion. When officers see that their peers are willing to share feedback, it creates an environment where everyone feels valued and heard. This sense of belonging can enhance morale and foster a culture of collaboration, leading to higher job satisfaction and retention rates.
Moreover, by implementing a system where feedback is regularly reviewed and acted upon, leadership can demonstrate that they value the input of their officers. This acknowledgment reinforces the notion that every member of the team plays a crucial role in the department’s success and highlights the importance of collective problem-solving.
Promoting accountability
In addition to facilitating open communication, the comment box can serve as a mechanism for accountability within the department. When officers feel comfortable sharing their observations about policies, procedures, or even colleague behavior, it can lead to constructive discussions around performance and conduct. This feedback loop can help identify areas where additional training or support may be needed, as well as highlight exemplary behavior that should be recognized and emulated. By addressing concerns raised in the comment box, leadership can take proactive steps to enhance officer performance and ensure that the department operates at its best.
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Implementing effective feedback mechanisms
For a comment box to be effective, the process surrounding it must be clear and well communicated. As a department, we established guidelines for how feedback will be collected, reviewed and acted upon. As Chief, the first task each morning, before unlocking the office door, is to check the comment box. Our team has been assured that their comments will be taken seriously and that each issue raised will be reviewed and addressed appropriately.
No comment goes unnoticed. Recent requests ranged from:
- A new hand dryer in the locker rooms
- Researching grants to fund new LIDAR units
- New batteries for the portable radios
- Issuing digital cameras to each officer
- Creating an Honor Guard for the agency
- Purchasing a new motorcycle.
All the above were approved, except for the motorcycle! Additionally, we implemented regular updates regarding the feedback received and any resulting actions, which helped maintain transparency and trust within the department. This ongoing communication at the Rochester Police Department reinforces the idea that leadership is committed to continuous improvement and values the input of its officers.
Fostering internal communication
In conclusion, the comment box is a powerful tool for fostering internal communication and collaboration within law enforcement agencies. By providing officers with a platform to express their thoughts and concerns, departments can cultivate a culture of openness, strengthen team cohesion and promote accountability. As law enforcement continues to evolve in response to the needs of the communities they serve, embracing innovative feedback mechanisms like the comment box can lead to a more engaged, satisfied and effective workforce. After all, when officers feel heard and valued, they are better equipped to serve and protect their communities with integrity and dedication.
About the author
Michael A. Assad Jr., MSCJ, is police chief of the Rochester (Mass.) Police Department. He previously worked as a Detective Sergeant for the Mashpee Police Department on Cape Cod, where he supervised general detectives, task force detective and the court prosecutor. Chief Assad was also the Commander of the Community Service Unit (CSU), Bike Team, K9 Unit and Assistant Team Leader of Cape Cod SWAT’s Crisis Negotiator Team (CNT).
Chief Assad holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and a master’s degree in Police Administration and Operations. Chief Assad has also completed the FBI-LEEDA Trilogy and the Leaders Helping Leaders Network (LHLN) Trilogy.
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