The following content is part of a new Police1 initiative – the Police Leader Playbook – aimed at helping new law enforcement leaders move beyond basic management and supervision skills and become inspirational leaders with integrity and passion. Through a handful of questions presented by Police1, veteran leaders reflect on their early days in leadership roles and offer advice, while newer leaders detail their experiences taking on a new position. Email editor@police1.com to offer your insights for the Police Leader Playbook.
Chief George Paugh became chief of the Greensboro (Maryland) Police Department in March 2023. The department consists of five sworn officers when fully staffed, serving a population of 2,800.
What put you on the path to becoming chief?
When I was in the Marine Corps, I was chosen to be a Security Augmentation Force member. During that time, we completed training with LAPD and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office in California. It was then I decided I wanted to be a police officer after the Marine Corps. I knew that one day I wanted to be a leader and head of a department.
What did you want to accomplish, improve or make better as chief?
I came from a larger agency where I was a patrol and SWAT commander. I grew up in this area of Maryland and wanted to bring stability and leadership to the police department. I wanted to move the department forward with technology and make it something the community can be proud of. I am very community outreach-oriented and want to create a tighter bond with the community.
I did a complete evaluation of the agency in the first 30 days. We already had some great equipment such as Axon’s TASER 7, but prior to me being here, they had not implemented the use of the device. We completed the required training and also transitioned to Axon’s Body 3 camera, which works in conjunction with the TASER 7. The town leadership and town commissioners have been very supportive as they passed measures to provide the required funding needed to upgrade equipment.
How are you creating an organizational culture people want to be part of?
Your people are your greatest asset. The main thing is to take care of your people. One really important aspect is to listen to your people and ask for their input to create that buy in if you will. We will be working toward creating a more robust officer wellness program, providing time to decompress after the more serious calls. Offering good technology and better equipment, and strengthening bonds with the community, are critical.
What’s your process for making major decisions?
Start by evaluating the problem. I do a lot of research, especially on best practices in the industry. I get input from people who work in the agency. It’s a smaller agency so everyone’s opinion has value. You must prioritize needs and wants and strike a good balance. Make sure purchases are necessary.
How do you show your personnel you are leading with value-based behaviors?
These values are at the forefront of public safety. Negativity in society requires police to know they are doing the right things, even when no one is looking. People who work for me know my character and background. I was President of a Fraternal Order of Police previously, so officers know I am looking out for them, but keeping the betterment of the community in mind.
How do you engage with your local community on department activities and support?
We engage through various community events and we have plans to overhaul our social media platform in order to be more engaged. We will be hiring an executive assistant, as the agency has never had one to assist with marketing our brand. We participate in as many community activities as we can. We visit our local elementary school throughout the year and do summer activities. It is important for us to interact with the children. We attended a bicycle safety talk a few weeks ago at the Judy Center. We visited a Lions Club during a meeting and spoke about our visions for the police department. We are planning to start Coffee with a Cop so we can hear concerns from the community on a one-on-one forum.
Leadership lightning round
What is a leadership book, podcast, or seminar you’ve found invaluable?
I was very fortunate to have attended the FBI National Academy (Session 277), which provided invaluable training in the area of leadership and law enforcement. In addition, I recommend “Call Sign Chaos: Learning to Lead” by Jim Mattis and “Lincoln on Leadership” by Donald T. Phillips. I also listen to a lot of Simon Sinek podcasts.
How do you organize your day and stay on schedule?
My days are mapped out a week ahead and put into the calendar on my mobile device and I prioritize when necessary. I always block out time to be out in the community and on the streets patrolling.
If you knew the budget request would be approved, what’s a big purchase you’d make for your department today?
Patrol vehicle replacement.
What is the most important piece of advice you have for a new leader?
Be engaged with the officers in your department and be open-minded.
What is the biggest challenge you are facing in your new role?
Hiring police officers. It is tough to find people who want to do the job.
At the end of the workday, how do you recharge?
We have a farm that has created lots of projects and I wind down by working on the farm. We are building a cow pasture and chicken coop presently.