The chiefs featured in this year’s Leadership Beat weren’t speaking in theory. They talked about the real pressures that come with the job and the decisions they make every day to manage them. Over the course of a year, conversations with leaders from agencies of all sizes revealed what police leadership actually looks like in practice — balancing operational demands, navigating culture and carrying the weight of constant expectations. They spoke openly about uncertainty, organizational strain and the ongoing work of earning trust. Taken together, their perspectives offer a clear picture of what leading a modern police agency requires today.
Earning trust when you’re the new face in the room
“Speak your truth, show your heart and let people see you have good intentions.”
When Denton Police Chief Jessica Robledo stepped into her role, she knew most people were trying to figure out who she was before she ever opened her mouth. Her solution was to lead with presence rather than authority. “Speak your truth, show your heart,” she said, describing a deliberate choice to be visible, vulnerable and consistent as she built credibility inside an unfamiliar organization.
On Chief Denton’s reading list: “Make Your Bed” by Admiral William H. Raven.
Moving culture when memos don’t work
“You cannot write a memo and change the world!”
Menlo Park Police Chief David Norris learned quickly that culture doesn’t shift because a chief declares a new expectation. “You cannot write a memo and change the world,” he said. His solution was to establish what he called the department’s “North Stars” — clear principles supported by “champions” who model them daily. Instead of relying on directives, Norris focused on clarity, repetition and the people whose behavior gives culture its shape.
On Chief Norris’ podcast list: Steve Morreale’s CopDoc Podcast, Jerry Ratcliffe’s Reducing Crime Podcast and Jim Dudley’s Policing Matters Podcast
Keeping perspective when ambition outpaces opportunity
“I will never forget where I came from.”
Redmond Police Chief Darrell Lowe spoke openly about the long stretch of his career when it looked like he might never become a chief. The challenge wasn’t disappointment; it was staying grounded. “I will never forget where I came from,” he said, explaining how that long runway shaped the way he leads now. His solution was humility paired with persistence — continuing to prepare even when opportunity seemed distant, and carrying that mindset into his role.
On Chief Lowe’s reading list: “Change the Culture, Change the Game” by Roger Connors and Tom Smith
Being available in a job that has no off-switch
“Give people your time.”
San Pablo Police Chief Brian Bubar framed one of leadership’s most difficult burdens plainly: people always want your time. His solution wasn’t to protect it aggressively — it was to spend it intentionally. Bubar’s approach is to give people access, listen fully and treat time as the currency of trust.
On Chief Bubar’s reading list: “Man’s Search for Meaning” by Viktor Frankl
Giving direction without micromanaging
“Give them purpose, the tools to carry it out and help when they need it.”
Las Cruces Police Chief Jeremy Story described the tension between setting standards and avoiding control. His solution was to provide purpose, tools and support — and then step back. “Give them purpose, the tools to carry it out and help when they need it,” he said, emphasizing that empowerment requires a framework but not constant oversight.
On Chief Story’s reading list: “I Love It Here” by Clint Pulver
Creating accountability without ambiguity
“I have your back 100% when you’re within policy and procedure.”
Bloomington Police Chief Booker Hodges articulated a challenge nearly every chief grapples with: how to support officers while maintaining standards. His solution was blunt clarity. “I have your back 100% when you’re within policy and procedure,” he said. “When your actions are borderline, we’re going to have a conversation… and outside policy, I can’t support you.”
On Chief Hodges’ reading list: Bible, New Testament.
Distinguishing between mistakes and misconduct
“There is a fundamental difference between mistakes and misconduct.”
Colonie Police Chief James “Jay” Gerace confronted a recurring leadership challenge: not all failures are equal. His solution was to build a just culture that separates human error from willful violation.
On Chief Gerace’s reading list: “Evidence-Based Policing: Translating Research into Practice” by Cynthia Lum and Christopher Koper
Maintaining discipline without losing people
“Discipline builds professionalism and self-discipline builds professionals.”
Tarpon Springs Police Chief Jeffrey Young emphasized that discipline, when done well, is stabilizing rather than punitive. His solution was twofold: hold standards that build professionalism and expect the self-discipline that develops professionals.
On Chief Young’s reading list: “Good to Great” by Jim Collins.
Building culture without slogans
“A positive culture is built upon effort, authenticity, intentionality and ownership.”
Broken Arrow Police Chief Lance Arnold addressed a common frustration: culture talk becomes empty when it lacks practice. His solution was to root culture in “effort, authenticity, intentionality and ownership.” He met with every member of the department, solicited ideas and built strategy through collaboration rather than proclamation.
On Chief Arnold’s reading list: The Bible
