A Message from the NHPA President
Detective H. Michael Geha, NHPA President
Brothers and Sisters,
I would like to introduce myself to you as the New Hampshire Police Association President. I am very excited to be leading such an important Professional Association. There are so many challenges that law enforcement officers face today. From the ever-changing technology to the lack of funding, it’s hard to keep up. There’s no question it can be dangerous, but the rewards far outweigh the risks for some officers. If you ask most law enforcement professionals what they like about their jobs, they will talk about how rewarding it is to know they’re making a difference in people’s lives. Not only do police officers save people from physical harm, but sometimes from much more serious threats such as alcohol, drug addiction, abuse, and neglect.
Sir Robert Peel is often referred to as the father of modern policing. When forming the Metropolitan Police Force in London in 1829, he said this, “The police are the public and the public are the police; the police being only members of the public who are paid to give full time attention to duties which are incumbent on every citizen in the interests of community welfare and existence.” That statement, made almost 200 years ago, is still applicable today. To better understand modern law enforcement, it helps to look at our profession from a historical perspective. Everyone in the community shared responsibility for enforcing the laws.
Every day you are building your personal brand – your personal and professional reputation. Your personal brand represents your police departments. Every day you could build up your brand or tear it down, with every person you interact with – whether good or bad. To build relationships you must first build trust. Not just with your co-workers and supervisors, but with people in the community you serve. Be available and approachable, provide help, advice, coaching and continued support for other police officers. Look for ways to help other people be successful.
Treat everyone with respect. Actively listen to the ideas of others to understand rather than to oppose. When someone is talking, listen to what they are saying instead of thinking about what you are going to say when they stop talking. Everything you do reflects not only on you and your personal brand, but on your family, your department, and the law enforcement profession.
My message to you: Enhance your credibility by demonstrating good sense, technical ability, and professionalism. To be successful, you must always strive to learn and improve. Basic Police Training is exactly what it says, “basic police training.” Read, study, go to specialized training, learn, practice new tactics, and earn a degree. Pay attention to yourself physically, work out, run, eat sensibly, take care of your body. Be better prepared than the other person… the one you are going to meet one day in head-to-head combat. Stay safe.
Detective H. Michael Geha