Transition From Probationary Constable To A First Line Leader

This essay will demonstrate the development of ethical leadership by discussing leadership traits and characteristics that I believe are important in the transition from probationary constable to a first line leader. It will also include methods on how this transition can be successfully achieved. The discussion will also contain a self-assessment of my own leadership strengths and weakness, and suggest developmental approaches to improve my leadership skills.

Being employed as a police officer brings a consistent standard of morals and a high degree of integrity within one self, whilst promoting these same characteristics of other police officers, the New South Wales Police Force (NSWPF) and the general public. These traits are essential
The development of Self-awareness is an important characteristic of a first line leader, and is essential during reflection and professional practice. Everyone has personal baggage which can be a basis for a person’s presumptions and opinions on the world. These opinions can be based on our life experiences resulting from good or unpleasant involvement. The ability to identify why we personally react to a situation the way we do, is an important trait of a first line leader. Self-awareness allows us to acknowledge and challenge our perceptions. As a police officer, we have an obligation to the community to approach our work within the guidelines and procedures of the NSWPF without bias. At the same time, our life experience may allow us to do this in a way that provides empathy, reduces stress or danger and gives a solution to a situation (Birch, Harington,
This means I have obtained many life experiences away from the Police Force. I have been fortunate in being married for twenty- one years and having three children. The life experiences that go with raising a family, especially a child with a life-threatening condition brings a wealth of personal knowledge, traits, perspectives and experience that only develop with time. I have played and coached football for many years, witnessing the diverse attitudes among parents and players and being able to communicate effectively with them. During my former years prior to the police force, I was managing staff and communicating to the general public and professional corporations as a Service Manager. Through these life experiences I have endured positive and negative interactions. I believe my life experience has given me the ability to reflect and challenge knowledge from my past situations. This hopefully results in me being able to effectively communicate and interact with a wide variety of people in our society in various