By Police1 Staff
On Saturday, Oct. 19 from 2:30-3:30 p.m. ET, Gregory Campbell, Ph.D., a federal law enforcement veteran and emotional intelligence expert, will lead a discussion titled, “How International Law Enforcement Are Using Emotional Intelligence (EQ) for Recruitment, Hiring, Retention, and Mentoring,” at IACP 2024 in Boston, Mass.
During the session, case studies from the Royal Canadian Police and Calgary Police Department will demonstrate how embracing EQ enables agencies to overcome challenges and emerge as empathetic, professional and effective in today’s changing world.
Dr. Campbell, who serves as TalentSmartEQ’s Vice President of Law Enforcement & Government, was a recent guest on Police1’s Policing Matters podcast, where he spoke with host Jim Dudley about the value of emotional intelligence in policing. The following summarizes their discussion about the benefits of using emotional intelligence for police recruitment, hiring, retention and mentoring.
Emotional intelligence (EQ) is a critical factor in the recruitment of law enforcement officers, offering distinct advantages in selecting candidates who are not only qualified but also emotionally equipped to handle the complexities of modern policing.
Here are four benefits of prioritizing EQ in police recruitment:
1. Enhanced candidate assessment
EQ provides agencies with tools to evaluate candidates’ emotional resilience, empathy and communication skills — qualities essential for handling high-pressure situations. Traditional recruitment methods may overlook these traits, but EQ-based assessments help identify individuals who are better suited for the emotional demands of policing.
2. Improved officer retention
Recruiting officers with high emotional intelligence has been shown to positively impact retention rates. Officers who are emotionally aware are more likely to manage job-related stress effectively, which leads to lower burnout rates and a more stable workforce. This also creates a more supportive environment, which can foster long-term career commitment.
3. Building community trust
Candidates with strong EQ skills are better equipped to connect with diverse communities. Their ability to understand and manage emotions allows them to de-escalate tense situations, foster trust and communicate effectively with the public. As law enforcement agencies increasingly focus on community-oriented policing, having officers who can build rapport with the community is invaluable.
4. Promoting diversity and inclusion
An EQ-focused recruitment approach also supports diversity and inclusion. By valuing emotional intelligence over traditional metrics, agencies can attract a broader range of candidates, including those who bring unique perspectives and emotional strengths that enhance team dynamics and community relations.
In conclusion, integrating emotional intelligence into the recruitment process allows law enforcement agencies to select candidates who are not only technically proficient but also emotionally prepared to serve their communities with empathy and resilience. This shift not only improves internal dynamics but also helps strengthen public trust in the police force.
Below, Dr. Campbell discusses the importance of training officers in emotional intelligence. Listen to the complete episode of the Policing Matters podcast here.
