Unleashing the Power of Unconditional Respect: Transforming Law Enforcement and Police Training

Every day, police officers face challenges ranging from petty annoyances to the risk of death in the line of duty. Coupled with these difficulties is, in some cases, lack of community respect for the officers despite the dangers these men and women confront while protecting the public. Exploring issues of courage, integrity, leadership, and character, Unleashing the Power of Unconditional Respect examines ways to effect organizational change that helps police officers inspire community trust and support with every citizen contact.

The book begins by discussing why courage is often lacking in a bravery-rich culture such as law enforcement. It demonstrates how personal integrity is the foundation for unconditional respect, and provides reasons why having and maintaining integrity are some of the most difficult struggles for individuals and law enforcement officers in particular. It enumerates some of the tactical benefits of unconditional respect as well as interpersonal benefits.

Then, the book explains the concept of anima-based leadership core competencies. It examines how unconditional respect affects law enforcement’s interaction with the communities in which it operates and describes how it creates and builds high character. Finally, the book explores way to influence an organizational culture toward unconditional respect.

There is a blog dedicated to the book. Jack Colwell also maintains a blog entitled Human Factors in Law Enforcement. The authors' animated Youtube video discusses relationships between police and communities.

Jack L. Colwell is the cofounder and co-instructor of the Regional Police Academy, Leadership Academy for the Kansas City, Missouri, Police Department.

Charles Huth is a national trainer and vice president of the National Law Enforcement Training Center and is a Sergeant with the Kansas City, Missouri, Police Department.