ABSTRACT

The majority of law enforcement agencies in the United States are small agencies with fewer than 25 officers while nearly half of local law enforcement agencies in the US have fewer than 10 officers. This means there is a great likelihood that many officers will, at some point in their careers, work for a small to medium-sized agency. Leading a small to medium-sized law enforcement agency is really about leading people. When a culture of indifference to critical agency issues has long been established, especially in a small agency where many of the officers are friends with each other, a new chief should consider organizational modification. Clearly, the need for modernization and change is important to organizational vitality. The key to leading a small organization may depend on the proactive recognition of when the organization requires enlightened leadership, management, communication, value system, or all of the above.