To make the cut as a superintendent, you need to show leadership and the ability to manage serious risks and make critical decisions during continuing operations.
Occupational psychologists have drawn up a list of the qualities they are looking for in a superintendent, based on interviews with officers and other agencies working with the police. Why not check the list below and see if you could make the grade?
1. Have a strong sense of personal integrity and a commitment to openness and transparency
Being able to demonstrate a high sense of personal integrity and a commitment to making the police service transparent to the public is vital.
2. Be flexible in your leadership
You should be able to empower the workforce at all levels and move policing away from its historic control-and-command model. “You should be able to demonstrate a transformative leadership style where you have empowered colleagues,” says Louise Meade, an occupational psychologist and head of selection and assessment for the College of Policing.
3. Demonstrate resilience and positivity
Having the ability to work under pressure is vital for all police officers. “But Direct Entry recruits need to be confident to be the force of change in the organisation and remain so,” says Meade.
4. Draw on business and financial skills
“More than ever before there is a need to work together with partners. People need to have an understanding of the processes of procurement and contracts,” says Meade.
5. Build strategic partnerships
Have the business knowhow to engage with others and solve problems collaboratively.
6. Lead effective organisational change, motivate staff and lead convincingly
Changing the way police operate for emerging types of crime, for example, cybercrime.
7. Demonstrate strategic vision
Have a vision for the police service that demonstrates a commitment to public service.
8. Show creativity and innovation
Embrace a new way of doing things. “We want people who can contribute to an evidence base of what works in policy, drawing on their previous experience,” says Meade.
9. Show humility and embrace professional development through reflective practice
“People mustn’t be afraid to learn from their mistakes and other people,” says Meade.
10. Be politically astute
In addition, you must be able to work with political leaders to build relationships.
Learn more about applying for Direct Entry to the police service at superintendent level.
