Leadership in Times of Tragedy

This past week, while vacationing with my family and friends in a tropical Caribbean paradise, I was reminded of how tragedy can strike anytime and anywhere. While enjoying an after-dinner conversation with a beautiful, ocean-kissed breeze floating by, we were interrupted by news of a nearby emergency. Somebody was choking.

My friend and I quickly proceeded to the nearby diner, where several other guests of the resort were on the floor giving a man CPR. He was not choking; he was having a heart attack. A group of employees stood around the guests as they attempted to resuscitate the man. I quickly asked the closest employee, "Is there an AED on the way?" The look I received told me everything I needed to know.

By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.

My point is not to discuss the importance of AEDs but the principle behind having them. More importantly, just having them is not enough. The staff must know their location and be trained to use them. Drills should be conducted to test staff readiness and designate responsibility and accountability for building and maintaining protocol. AEDs, like plans, have to be in place before the crisis hits.

I witnessed a clear failure to plan. Did it result in an unnecessary death? Well, that is not a fair call because even a timely deployed AED is no guarantee of success, but not having one was surely a missed opportunity.

There will always be a next time, even when convince ourselves otherwise. That is, until there is'ant.

In the latest episode on the Coptimizer Podcast, I had the profound privilege of sitting down with Chief of Police Shawn Keen. Through the lens of heartbreaking experiences managing the line-of-duty deaths of police officers, Chief Keen shared invaluable insights and hard-earned wisdom on preparing and responding to critical incidents as a leader.

It always seems impossible until it is done!

Destination Zero is a lofty goal, and it is one that every law enforcement leader and agency should be striving for. Until we reach it, we need to prepare for how to manage ourselves and our agencies in times of crisis and tragedy. Don't wait for misfortune to knock on your door; be proactive.

Chief Keen was kind and candid in our conversation. I'm very grateful that he was gracious in sharing some of the critical lessons he has learned. I have compiled a quick list of ten important topics from our conversation to consider as you plan, evaluate, and reevaluate your crisis response plans.

Ten Lessons Learned

1. Preparation is Paramount: Officers are encouraged to complete a comprehensive line of duty death form detailing wishes for handling their affairs and to update it regularly.
2. Immediate and Compassionate Communication: Prioritizing the immediate notification of the fallen officer's family before the spread of information through social media or informal channels.
3. Transparent Internal Communication: Keeping current officers informed to mitigate rumors and notifying retired officers who maintain close ties to the department.
4. Media Relations: The importance of having a prepared statement for press conferences that respects the officer and their family.
5. Emotional Support: Recognizing the profound emotional impact on officers and ensuring mental health resources are readily available.
6. Continuous Improvement: Based on experience and new information, constantly evolving response plans and services for officers are crucial.
7. Community and Media Engagement: Building solid relationships with the media and being ready to speak as the Chief in these critical moments.
8. Utilizing Resources and Networking: Leveraging all available resources, including accreditation bodies and networks with other agencies, for best practices and support.
9. Investing in Training and Resources: Regular training on active shooter response and critical incidents, improving span of control and communication, and investing in quality training resources to meet community expectations.
10. Leadership and Crisis Response: The importance of leadership development and training for effective crisis response.

Chief Keen's experiences managing the aftermath of line-of-duty deaths underscore the multifaceted role of law enforcement leaders in crisis management. The conversation highlighted the necessity of preparation, the value of immediate and compassionate communication, and the critical role of continuous improvement and support systems.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone in law enforcement, leadership, or interested in understanding the complexities and responsibilities of managing critical incidents. Join us to gain deeper insights into the courage, resilience, and dedication required to lead through tragedy.

?? Tune into the Coptimizer Podcast to hear Chief Shawn Keen's invaluable lessons on leadership during the most challenging times. Let’s honor those we’ve lost by learning, improving, and supporting one another in our communities and beyond.

The Coptimizer Podcast with guest Chief Shawn Keen

#Leadership #LawEnforcement #CrisisManagement #PublicSafety #CoptimizerPodcast