Chain of Command
"Getting Started" Series by Captain Chuck Mantkus

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At this point the Unit has been approved and you have the basic information needed, and you are ready to begin the selection process for the Chain of Command. 

First, you should decide on a full-time Officer to supervise this new section of your Department.  This selection should be carefully made.  The new Unit will become an integrated part of your Department and its supervisor needs to be one that is trusted and dependable.  If you cannot spare one of your Regular Officers to be the Reserve Unit Leader, you have to look elsewhere.  Perhaps a retired Officer would fit the bill.  The Officer you chose to put in charge must be someone who will represent management and who will follow Departmental policy to the letter.  His/her role would be that of a leader who can inspire enthusiasm, who can carry through with assignments with the highest level of integrity and security, and who can make learning and participating seem worthwhile.  The Unit Leader ( Commander, Coordinator, etc. ) must be an example to his/her volunteer force.

The Unit Leader must be able to use constructive criticism (to be given in private).  The leader should be able to be proficient in gathering all facts about any dispute or incident while asking questions, should be a good listener, and should be able to give answers and ways of improvement to reach a desired goal.

This Officer should be able to detect weaknesses in an individual and strive to make the appropriate corrections.  As Law Enforcement duties sometimes entail life or death situations, a leader should assign those volunteers to duties in which they are proven and trained.  The Leader should never give an assignment to a volunteer who is reluctant or who is doubtful of their abilities in any situation.

The Unit Leader should be given the right to set standards and expectations, both verbally and written.  He/she must strive to achieve excellence from all Reserves. Goals should be set that are uniformly attainable.  Should a volunteer reach standards, then new goals can be considered.

Now that a Unit Leader has been chosen,  its time to set up the Unit's necessary Rules and Regulations.

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 Continue to "Minimum Training Syllabus"
Syllabus provided for Reserves/Auxiliaries with and without "arrest power"

NATIONAL RESERVE LAW OFFICERS ASSOCIATION
P.O. BOX 6505    SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS 78209
(210) 805-8917  FAX: (210) 804-2463  E-MAIL: nrloa01@earthlink.net