By: Bill Wilson • Contributing Columnist
Let us not be confused between leadership and experience. This Caddo sheriff’s election has one candidate claiming he is the only one with law enforcement experience. This is true. Mayor Glover appointed Henry Whitehorn from 2007-2010, thirteen years ago. There is good and bad experiences which are determined by personal observations. However, "Leadership" is the paramount issue that needs addressing.
There are several hundred books written concerning leadership. This topic is taught in most universities and organizations. Leadership has been defined in terms of traits, behavior influence, interaction patterns, role relationships, and occupation of an administrative position.” (Yukl, Gary (1998). Leadership in Organizations (pp. 2-3).
Leadership in its complexity is difficult to explain but I will keep it simple: A leader has the authority and power with intentional influence over other people to guide, and facilitate activities and relationships in a group or organization.
First, let me introduce myself. My name is W.T. Bill Wilson Jr. I retired from the Shreveport Police Department (SPD) after thirty years of service. I retired as an Assistant Chief of Police (ACP). In the SPD civil service law, the ACP is in the chain of command under the Chief of Police (COP). He/she is the second in command with designated authority and responsibilities. Generally, it takes between 20 and 25 years to achieve this rank through competitive testing. Also, I have a master’s degrees in criminal justice and organizational & industrial psychology (Human Resources).
These ACPs should be some of the best employees to have knowledge of their leader’s abilities. They are the closest supervisors who interact daily with our leader the COP. In SPD there are four ACPs in different divisions. I contacted the majority of these ACPs who worked under COP Henry Whitehorn from 2007-2010. There were diverse groups in both race and sexes. I developed a simple rating chart between 1 to 5, one is the lowest with five being the highest. I did not contact one ACP because Louisiana Law prohibits their involvement in any political campaign. They could be terminated from service just from commenting.
After interviewing the majority of the ACPs, I determined that no one rated Whitehorn above a number two which is a low rating with the rest lower! He received only one number two. Some ACPs even requested a negative number with some harsh comments against him. When one ACP was questioned, he took a long pause then stated Whitehorn did not do anything so give him a one.
Remember the ACPs were a diversity group. This was empirical research accomplished to address who has leadership.
Lastly, I claim to be a Christian. I have been a registered Independent all my life. I am not affiliated with either candidate. I recall watching a television show -Dragnet where Sgt. Joe Friday said "Ma’am” I want the facts and only the facts!”. Now it is time for all of us to make our decision and VOTE for the facts!
SPD 1972-2003 retired as Assistant Chief of Police (ACP)
Shreveport Policemen’s Pension and Relief Fund (1989-present)
Shreveport Healthcare Trust Fund (2010- present)
Shreveport Police & Fire Memorial Fund.