Some WHPD Workers Feel Pressured to Support Capt. Appointment to Chief

This article is a good example of one of the main problems in the American workplace – politics.  Even though the intentions of the departmental employees were good, the results are terrible.  First, let me state that The Loar Group, Inc. believes in promoting from within the organization when possible.  However, the manner in which the employees attempted to help in the process was not only unacceptable but even detrimental to their cause.  Some of the negatives are as follows:

1. The action did not align with the department’s core values.
2. The action may have been initiated by emotion.
3. The action will result in divisive factions regardless of who is selected for the position.
4. No matter the claim of the “open-door policy”, those who were afraid not to sign the petition will probably never enter that door.
5. The reasons given for the approval of the petition are weak at its best and pathetic for the most part.

What should be done?  Regardless of who is selected for the Chief’s postion, there must be an open and honest meeting with all staff members.  The actions of the new Chief must align completely with the mission and core value of the department.   There should be no place in the workplace for the “good ole boy/girl”  system.  Those who inititated the petition must be dealt with quickly and in a stern manner.   They have caused dissension needlessly.  The purpose of their existence is to serve others, not themselves.

The Loar Group, Inc.

WINTER HAVEN | A letter supporting Capt… as the next police chief has caused division among sworn officers and civilian employees at the Winter Haven Police Department.

A police department employee, who did not want to be identified, said the letter is being “passed around” and officers fear if they don’t sign it, there will be retribution – but that if they do sign it, it appears they support her when they don’t, the employee said.

“It’s putting a lot of employees in a very difficult situation,” the employee said.

The employee…has created an atmosphere of fear among employees by using ranking members of the Police Department to push the petition on them.

… are in charge of the letter. Both are in supervisory positions and …the highest-ranking civilian in the department.

“I’m honored that members of our Police Department came forward and wanted to show support for me,”…”If anyone has concerns, we have an open-door policy at the agency.”

The letter of support allows the agency’s employees the opportunity to show quick support for…instead of through independent letters, Waters said.

“In addition, I allow employees to sign birthday cards and condolence cards on duty in order to support their comrades as well,” he said.

…who has worked 24 years for the police department, was ranked fifth among five candidates by an advisory committee that reviewed applicants

By Merissa Green
The Ledger