SBPD Explorer Post 911

Serving with P.R.I.D.E.
Professionalism, Respect, Integrity, Duty, and Empowerment
PRIDE

Our Post motto is "Serving with P.R.I.D.E.", which stands for Professionalism, Respect, Integrity, Duty, and Empowerment.

Professionalism involves high standards of character and competency, and a heightened level of commitment. I expect all Explorers to "look smart" and show their pride in being a part of the South Bend Police Department.

Professionalism means having policies and procedures that are current, accurate, and reflect our goals. It means having standards that ensure we are recruiting and employing the best qualified and most competent Post members we can. Professionalism means having high levels of specialized training. Most importantly, professionalism means high standards of conduct and ethical behavior.

Respect means to treat everyone with courtesy and esteem. This just does not relate to our dealings with the public, but with everyone with whom we come in contact during the course of our work, including co-workers, neighbors, other county employees, citizens, suspects, and even inmates. Even arrestees or prisoners are called "Mr." or "Ms." and --perhaps-- given a degree of respect they have never experienced before by officers. The same is expected of explorers.

In return, we expect them to show respect to us in a way that encourages cooperative behavior. If showing a modicum of respect to an arrestee helps build rapport and promotes a smoother work environment, it stands to reason that showing more respect to citizens and co-workers would make our work environment more pleasant.

Integrity means uprightness, honesty, and sincerity. People of true integrity reflect these qualities in all phases of their lives, not just at work. Without integrity as an agency, we have no credibility. Integrity is the most important dimension of a law enforcement officer. We, as police are, and should be, held to higher standards of conduct than the general public.

Integrity means more than just honesty. Integrity is a strict, self-imposed code of behavior associated with moral excellence. Honest mistakes can be tolerated and dealt with through additional training or corrective discipline. However, untruthfulness will not be tolerated and will lead to dismissal.

The actions you partake in now "in the moment" can come back to haunt you down the road- like during the hiring process. As an Explorer, more is expected of you than your average citizen.

Duty, obligations, and responsibility denote an action that one is bound to perform. Duty is that which is owed or due. Obligation, that by which one is bound. Responsibility, that for which one must answer. What is our duty? To "Serve and Protect". Sure, it's is cliché, but one worth thinking about because that is exactly what police officers are charged to do. Even as an Explorer, you still serve the public at large, to serve our community, and to help protect the lives and properties of our constituents. Duty to whom? To the community, to the Explorer organization, and to each other. That duty takes precedence over personal needs, desires, and friendships.

A good supervisor empowers his/her subordinates to solve problems and gives the employee the tools they need to do the job, enabling the employee to manage themselves. It is the opposite of micromanaging, but doesn't mean doing anything you want. A primary responsibility of a supervisor is to train, mentor, and enable subordinates to make good, sensible decisions on their own.

Character First
My goal as Explorer Advisor is to strengthen members of the SBPD Explorer Post by promoting excellence in character.

Essential Character Qualities?

The following ten character qualities are viewed as essential to being a member of the South Bend Police Department Explorer Post:

* Thoroughness v. Incompleteness
Knowing what factors will diminish the effectiveness of my work or words if neglected
* Truthfulness v. Deception
Earning future trust by accurately reporting past facts.
* Self-control v. Self-indulgence
Rejecting wrong desires and doing what is right.
* Enthusiasm v. Apathy
Expressing joy in each task as I give it my best effort.
* Benevolence v. Selfishness
Giving to others' basic needs without having as my motive personal reward.
* Responsibility v. Unreliability
Knowing and doing what is expected of me.
* Decisiveness v. Procrastination
The ability to recognize key factors and finalize difficult decisions.
* Discernment v. Shortsightedness
Understanding the deeper reasons as to why things happen.
* Dependability v. Inconsistency
Fulfilling what I consented to do, even if it means unexpected sacrifice.
* Creativity v. Underachievement
Approaching a need, a task, or an idea from a new perspective.

Possessing these qualities in increasing measure will keep us from being unproductive and ineffective in the performance of our duties, and will help to prepare you for a successful career in Law Enforcement down the road.