New Police Chief Mentoring Project

Mentoring Program Services

Newer chiefs are provided with access to seasoned chiefs from similar sized agencies to learn how they achieved success and resolved similar problems. To participate in the mentoring program, newer chiefs are asked to complete a profile indicating areas of professional concern. Mentors also complete a profile indicating their areas of expertise. The newer chief is then matched with an experienced chief best fitting the new chiefs profile information. Every effort is made to match chiefs from the same regions and with similar experiences.

Mentors work to guide newer chiefs to solutions to the problems specific to their respective jurisdictions. They provide support and assistance in tapping into available support systems and obtaining needed resources. Together the mentor and new chief review and discuss problem areas, set goals, and develop plans of action. Mentors also provide a valuable service by being a confidant to a newer chief. Typically mentoring is done by phone or email for a period of three months. Many new chiefs and their mentors continue to remain in contact after the formal mentoring period is over.

The New Police Chief Mentoring Project is funded to provide a limited number of newer chiefs with on-site support and technical assistance. The on-site visit structure is designed through an assessment of the new chief's needs and in collaboration with an assessment team. The goals of the site visit are to identify and discuss priorities and their status. The team will work with the new chief in identifying appropriate resources, training and contacts. Mentors participating in site visits are reimbursed for their expenses and time. This is a great opportunity to initiate a mentoring relationship.

Written Materials & Resources The Police Chiefs Desk Reference was designed to render leadership development and policy guidance to newly appointed police leaders. This resource has had an overwhelming response since its release in November 2004. All sizes and types of agencies and levels of staff continue to request the product. There is no charge for this guide. Other resources and materials may be provided directly from mentors.

Participation

To participate in the mentoring program, newer chiefs are asked to complete an application and a profile indicating areas of concern they have in their agencies. The newer chief will then be matched with an experienced chief best fitting the new chief's profile information.

New Chief Application

To work with an experienced Police Chief, complete and submit an application.

Volunteer mentors complete an application and profile indicating the areas in which they have expertise. Mentors are required to have:

• At least 5 years experience as a smaller agency chief
• Been active in the law enforcement field within the last 5 years  
• Submit a references and a resume

The mentors work to guide newer chiefs to solutions to the problems that will work in their respective jurisdictions. Mentors provide support and assistance in tapping into available support systems and obtaining needed resources. Together they review and discuss problem areas, set goals, develop plans of action, and establish timelines for meeting the goals.

Mentor Application

To volunteer as an IACP mentor complete and submit an application.

IACP Mentor Resources & Information

All applications should be submitted by fax or mail with a resume.
New chiefs should include a copy of their town demographics and/or agency profile.

For further information, please contact:
Dianne Beer-Maxwell, Project Manager
1-800-THE-IACP, ext. 844 Fax: 703-684-3448
Email: mentoring@theiacp.org