In this tip from Gordon Graham, the focus is on the lasting value of mentoring in public safety. While formal training often ends after the academy or field training, learning shouldn’t stop there. Gordon emphasizes that everyone — regardless of rank or years on the job — has valuable knowledge to share. Mentoring, whether formal or informal, strengthens skill development, reinforces good decision-making and helps newer personnel avoid common mistakes. It’s a professional relationship that benefits both the mentor and the mentee — and it’s never too early or too late to get involved.
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Questions for discussion:
- What mentoring opportunities currently exist in your department, and how effective are they in supporting new personnel?
- How can experienced officers actively mentor newer staff outside of formal training programs?
- In what ways can mentoring help reduce common on-the-job mistakes?
- How can supervisors encourage a culture where informal mentoring is valued and practiced?
- What strategies can newer officers or supervisors use to seek out mentorship in their early career?
Get more tips from Gordon here.
NEXT: Strong mentors helped Capt. Michelle Tavarez rise through the ranks — now she’s paying it forward. In this Policing Matters podcast episode, she shares how mentorship, both formal and informal, shaped her leadership style and how initiatives like Women of Metro are building the next generation of law enforcement leaders. Listen to the full podcast now.
