How Did We Get Here? Building Competence, Confidence, and Trust in Public Safety

By Mark Anderko,
Lexipol
 
In the demanding field of public safety, where the stakes are as high as human life, the continuous pursuit of performance excellence must be at the core of every organization’s mission. Public safety leaders bear the heavy responsibility of protecting and serving their communities, which requires unwavering trust, competence, and confidence from all stakeholders – whether they are personnel on the ground, community members, or governmental bodies.

But how can leaders consistently meet and exceed these expectations? It begins with asking a simple, yet profound, question every day: “How did we get here?”

This question is not merely a reflection on the past, but also, a strategic tool for the future. It forces leaders to evaluate the journey that led to the present moment, identifying both successful behaviors and areas where risk can be reduced. By understanding what has shaped their current organization, leaders can make informed decisions that foster a culture of continuous improvement.

The Importance of Trust in Public Safety

Trust is the cornerstone of any successful public safety organization. It is the foundation upon which all relationships are built – between leadership and their teams, personnel and the communities they serve, and public safety organizations and the governmental bodies overseeing them. However, trust is not given freely; it must be earned and maintained through consistent, reliable actions.

When public safety leaders ask, “How did we get here?” they engage in a process of accountability and transparency. They acknowledge that every action, decision, and policy has consequences that ripple throughout the organization. Data analytics and data aggregation are key here. Department-specific data related to operations and personnel, carefully collected, can serve as a visual tool to help identify trends and potential risks. Leaders can analyze results and then deploy proven strategies to enhance performance through solutions that address the root causes of employee behavior.

This self-awareness enables public safety leaders to make the necessary adjustments to build and maintain trust across all levels of the organization.

Building Competence Through Continuous Learning

Competence in public safety is not static; it requires ongoing education, training, and development. The question, “How did we get here?” serves as a catalyst for continuous learning by encouraging leaders to assess the effectiveness of their training programs and operational practices. Are their teams equipped with the knowledge and skills they need to handle the challenges they face? Are there gaps in training that need to be addressed? This emphasis on continuous learning empowers leaders to build and sustain competence within their organizations.

Enhancing Confidence Through Evidence-Based Decision-Making

Confidence in public safety is rooted in the ability to make informed, evidence-based decisions. When leaders regularly ask, “How did we get here?” they are engaging in a form of critical analysis that strengthens decision-making processes while also modeling a culture of openness and responsibility.

By transparently examining the factors that led to previous outcomes – both positive and negative – leaders can identify the most effective strategies for future success. This approach reduces uncertainty and enhances confidence, both within the organization and in the eyes of the public.

Achieving Performance Excellence

At Lexipol, the question “How did we get here?” is central to our commitment to helping agencies achieve performance excellence. Excellence should be the driving force behind every action, decision, and operation within the organization, from frontline emergency responses to administrative oversight. When public safety professionals strive for excellence, they not only protect lives, but also foster trust, confidence, and collaboration between the public and the institutions that safeguard them.

Lexipol’s mission-critical solutions are designed to support this journey by providing the resources needed to build a foundation of performance excellence through competence, confidence, and trust:

Competence: By providing a comprehensive framework for policy development, training, and performance evaluation, Lexipol gives leaders the tools they need to build and sustain competence. For example, Lexipol's training programs are designed to be dynamic and responsive, allowing organizations to adapt to emerging trends and challenges.

Confidence: Lexipol’s performance management solutions include tools that track and analyze key performance indicators, enabling leaders to make data-driven decisions that boost confidence by improving outcomes and mitigating risks. Whether it’s identifying trends in personnel behavior, evaluating the effectiveness of training programs, or assessing compliance with organizational policies, Lexipol provides the insights needed to build confidence at every level of the organization.

Trust: Lexipol’s policy and training solutions foster a culture of transparency and accountability through clear, consistent, and evidence-based policies that establish a common understanding of expectations and responsibilities. We also make it easy to track and share key data points with community members, demonstrating how the agency is measuring up to its commitment to service.

Achieving performance excellence is not a one-time goal but an ongoing commitment to continuous improvement. This commitment is fueled by a culture that embraces accountability, transparency, and a passion for learning. Public safety organizations must constantly evaluate their policies and outcomes to identify areas for growth and innovation. By fostering an environment where every individual is encouraged to reflect on their performance, share best practices, and adapt to new challenges, organizations can ensure they remain effective and resilient in the face of evolving public safety needs.

A Commitment to Excellence

In a world where the demands on public safety are ever-increasing, the pursuit of excellence is not optional – it is essential. And it starts with asking, “How did we get here?” By making performance excellence the goal, leaders can ensure they are not only meeting the needs of today, but are also prepared for the challenges of tomorrow. And in doing so, they build the competence, confidence, and trust that are the hallmarks of a truly effective public safety organization.

About the Author:
Mark Anderko is a deputy chief of police (ret.) who completed a 28-year career in New Jersey law enforcement. Currently, he serves as regional director of strategic alliances for NYSAFC partner, Lexipol.