Dr Paul Rinkoff1,2
1Toronto Police Service, Toronto, Canada, 2Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Canada
Introduction:
Implementing key policy decisions, achieving corporate goals, and leading change is an everyday challenge for the leaders of progressive police services. However, with so much emphasis being placed on the role of upper-level leaders, the critical leadership role and contributions of frontline supervisors – who are counted on to assume the operational lead when it matters the most – is often overlooked. My research aims to fill this void by focusing on the contribution of frontline supervisors to the successful adoption of policy decisions, commitment, and buy-in at the frontline.
Methods:
A qualitative research study focuses on the racial profiling policy of a large municipal police service and adopts a sociological institutionalism perspective. Seventeen frontline supervisors representing 17 divisions (precincts) were interviewed. In addition, a survey questionnaire was administered to participants. A thematic analysis was conducted.
Results:
The study demonstrates that frontline supervisors are able to achieve commitment and buy-in from officers in challenging and demanding situations by engaging regularly in the following leadership activities: being present; encouraging; training; rewarding; disciplining; and auditing. Further, for optimal success at the frontline, the study recommends the blending of two leadership approaches: an authoritative leadership approach and a supportive leadership approach.
Conclusion:
Frontline police supervisors, who are able to combine the above leadership activities and approaches in effective ways, are able to achieve greater commitment and buy-in from officers when and where it matters the most – during times of change or uncertainty, and at challenging operational times, when officers look to those who lead for decisive guidance and direction.
Biography:
Paul Rinkoff is a Senior Officer with the Toronto Police Service. He has over two decades of policing experience and is currently the Unit Commander of the Financial Crimes Unit.
Paul holds a PhD in Policy Studies. Paul also holds a Master’s Degree in Leadership Studies from the University of Guelph.
Paul currently lectures at the Toronto Metropolitan University. He is a Contributing Editor at the Journal of Community Safety & Well-Being. He is an experienced Board Director and an accredited Disciplinary Hearings Officer.
Paul’s research interests include police leadership, supervision, organizational culture, and community relations.