Blog Archives

Unforgiveness results in many of the internal conflicts, relationship issues, grudges, and job-related stress that plague our law enforcement and public safety agencies. Join me for a thought experiment that shows the power of forgiveness.

FORGIVENESS
Clearing the record of wrongs and refusing to hold a grudge

Level 1 Forgiveness is hard enough. But can you make it to Level 2? Or would you rather keep drinking the “cup of bitterness?” And don’t confuse forgiveness with pardon. Let me know what you think.


I recently received this endorsement from a sergeant working for a Sheriff’s Office in Wisconsin.  I think it’s the best endorsement Police Dynamics has ever received.

“I have attended two Leadership seminars in which Ray Nash was the primary speaker. The first time I heard him speak was at the Badger Sheriff’s Association Conference. After that first event, I immediately recognized that this guy gets it. Ray is a cop’s cop and he understands the cop mindset. As an instructor myself, I can honestly tell you that Ray knows his stuff and he is a very “dynamic” instructor. I kind of laugh when I say that word, because I remember Ray defining the word “dynamic” for us in class and giving us the Latin breakdown (What a geek! ….just kidding of course).

“As far as how Ray’s training has impacted my agency, here’s what I can tell you. I have seen a marked difference in the individuals who attended the Police Dynamics Leadership training. My agency (more…)


Category: Police Dynamics

In a nutshell, the Police Dynamics program is a character-based approach to dealing with the challenges facing law enforcement officers and their agencies. Over 10,000 law enforcement officers and government leaders from around the world have benefited from the training. In light of recent events and the new challenges being presented to our law enforcement officers, the principles of Police Dynamics are needed now more than ever.

I am putting together my training calendar for 2016-2017. So if you or your agency would like to host a Police Dynamics seminar, please contact me right away and I will send you a training proposal.

Police Dynamics teaches officers how to:

  • Keep their egos in check when their authority is challenged
  • Re-build trust-based relationships even in the most troubled and crime-ridden neighborhoods
  • Generate voluntary compliance by relying on positional authority instead of ego-power
  • Stabilize and strengthen internal relationships that generate stress and conflict
  • Develop leadership capacity throughout the agency
  • Encourage and motivate each other to the highest levels of morale and performance
  • Practice ethical decision-making when under stress or facing temptation
  • Faithfully represent the principles and standards of the agency and profession
  • Exercise discretion in a just and legally defensible manner
  • Respectfully make appeals when an authority is in the wrong or faced with conflicting instructions
  • Use tactical communications to overcome resistance and de-escalate tension without resorting to physical force
  • Implement proven crime-fighting strategies that reduce the fear, apathy, tolerance for crime, and mistrust of the police that fuel criminal activity
  • Exceed citizen expectations to build confidence and support
  • Successfully navigate the complexities of building trust-based relationships among diverse groups
  • Establish, Embrace, Encourage, Embody, and Enforce the highest standards of professional excellence

Category: Police Dynamics

Well, I lost my “re-election” bid so I am refocusing on my efforts to promote Police Dynamics and my position as Director of the Sheriff’s Institute for Credible Leadership Development. We were honored to receive the endorsement of Sheriff Greg Champagne, the newly inducted President of the National Sheriff’s Association, as his primary priority:

Champagne_Web

Sheriff Greg Champagne

“First and foremost, I will be aggressively promoting NSA’s partnership with the International Academy of Public Safety and the new leadership and ethics courses that we have endorsed and offer to all sheriffs. While these are tough times for law enforcement, we have to be open to new ideas and ways of doing business to continue to build and reinforce the trust we enjoy in our counties and parishes. I urge all sheriffs to take a good, hard look at this training program. It will be one of the best initiatives you will ever undertake.”
Sheriff Greg Champagne
St. Charles Parrish, LA


Category: ICLD

Seasoned law enforcement leaders recognize that there is an intricate link between officer morale and performance. Consequently, the morale of any law enforcement agency impacts the crime rate.

Those of us in police leadership must be actively engaged in showing our police officers, deputy sheriffs, and correctional officers that they are appreciated, encouraged, and motivated to fight crime and maintain the law, order, health, safety, and morals of their communities, whether on the streets or inside the detention facility. Making the Character Connection by praising them for the character quality that produced outstanding achievement is an excellent way of improving morale and fighting crime. Remember,

“Failure to Motivate Is Failure to Lead.”


Yes, you read that right! I am coming out of “retirement” to run for Sheriff again. As crazy as it sounds, I spent about 9 months in prayerful consideration and feel compelled to do this again.

There are two primary factors that led me to this decision. First, the Homicide Rate in Dorchester County has sky-rocketed since I left office in 2009. We are now twice the state average in one of the most violent states in America. Second, the number of current and former deputies who are calling me back into service. Morale is frighteningly low with a correspondent high turnover rate. Deputies are leaving in droves and dozens have reached out to encourage me to re-enter the fray.

Homicide Chart 2

SOURCES: CivicDashboards.com, FBI, Post & Courier

When I was in Office, we implemented the crime-fighting strategies and leadership principles of Police Dynamics to keep crime low and morale high. So, here I am running around the country, and internationally, teaching these principles that we know really work, while my home county is struggling.

I am asking my colleagues, supporters, and Police Dynamics students to join me in this effort. Every campaign needs finances to run on, and we are no exception. So, if you feel led to do so, I encourage you to go to our campaign website at SheriffRayNash.com where you can sign up for updates, volunteer, or donate. All donations are welcome, no matter how small.

But more than that, I would really need a short endorsement from you. Just 4 or 5 lines of why you think I would make a good Sheriff or how my teachings have impacted you.

Here is our first internet-based ad. Please let me hear from you soon…

 


Category: Uncategorized

These two videos are part of a series on the History of the Office of Sheriff and the Constitutional Authority of Elected Executives. Recorded at the 2016 SC Tea Party Coalition Conference at Myrtle Beach, I explore the Common Law history of the Office and the authority that has been vested in constitutional officers. It’s important for those of us in the law enforcement profession to know our roots and the foundation of our authority.

The International Academy of Public Safety is in the process of incorporating this curriculum into the Sheriff’s Institute for Credible Leadership Development, the online leadership academy of the National Sheriff’s Association.


Mitch Javidi (President of the International Academy of Public Safety) and I had the privilege of presenting the Dynamics of Credible Leadership to a group of genuine American heroes from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office. We appreciate Sheriff Dean‘s vision for bringing this training to his agency. Here are some of the outstanding evaluations we received from the participants:

  • I enjoyed the infusion of morality paired with people-centered change.

  • Excellent presenters. Great time with all of my co-workers.

  • Truly outstanding workshop. The best leadership training I have ever received.

  • This was a class that not only benefited me, but would be wonderful for my peers to get the same experience. (more…)


Category: ICLD

The Second Law of Thermodynamics, also known as the Law of Entropy, states that all matter and energy is in bondage to decay. It always tends toward greater levels of disorder and chaos. Our law enforcement organizations and communities are the same way. We have to invest time and energy to maintain order, establish peace, and prolong stability. This training segment discusses the Law of Entropy as it relates to police management and leadership theory.

Many thanks to Kaelan Patel for serving as my videographer during our “Kabul Reunion” at Watts Bar Lake in Tennessee.


Mitch Javidi - WI 2015I had the privilege of co-presenting the Dynamics of Credible Leadership for the Badger State Sheriff’s Association in Eau Claire, Wisconsin along with Dr. Mitch Javidi, President of the International Academy of Public Safety. Over 100 law enforcement leaders were in attendance.
Here are some of the comments from their evaluations:

  • Of all the supervisor training I have had, this was the most engaging and interesting style of presentations. I truly got a lot out of this workshop.

  • All employees, at some point in their career, should attend this training.

  • This training should be state required for everyone in the department.

  • For once I have no idea on how to make this training better. Great job guys!

  • Great presenters.  Very knowledgeable and genuinely cared about and believed in the materials presented. Thank you for your time and the care you put into it.

  • The speakers were very enthusiastic, punctual, and resourceful. (NOTE: Good use of character vocabulary…)

  • The presenters showed dedication and passion to developing leaders.

  • From 24 years of law enforcement (road & jail) this has been the most insightful course I have ever been in.

  • This is actually something outside the usual training I have received and can really use this with the people I supervise.  Thank you so much!

    (more…)


Category: ICLD

Sheriff Ray Nash

Sheriff Ray Nash

What Law Enforcement and Community Leaders Are Saying About Police Dynamics

“A few years ago, we brought the Police Dynamics program to the Cincinnati Police Division and were most impressed with the quality of the training and richness of the program.”
Mike Daly
Character Council of Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky

"I have attended training conducted by the Police Dynamics Institute in the past and know Ray Nash both personally and professionally. They have my whole-hearted endorsement…"
Sheriff Larry Williams
Orangeburg, SC

"I cannot tell you how excited I am to see this website. I was introduced to your video on the Dynamics of Authority through my father who is a police chaplain for the FBI and local law enforcement agencies here in Las Cruces. I have taught and applied the Dynamics model to my students when I was a teacher, and now to my department as a fire fighter."
Nathan Carr
Las Cruces Fire Dept.

“One of the greatest seminars I have ever attended in the 33 years I’ve been a Deputy.”
Walter Bolinger
Sergeant
Marion County Sheriff’s Office, IN

"I was so impressed by the (Police Dynamics) program that I purchased your video tape series. All Grand County Sheriff’s Employees subsequently viewed the tapes, and I have also mandated that all new Sheriff’s Employees watch it as well."
Glen Trainor
Undersheriff
Grand County Sheriff’s Office

"It is with much enthusiasm that I encourage senior law enforcement executives to make attending the Police Dynamics seminar a key training priority for your agency."
DeWayne Beggs
Sheriff
Cleveland County, OK
former 2nd VP - National Sheriff's Association

"I am convinced of the benefits of the Police Dynamics program."
Jerry Martin
Sheriff
Delores County, CO
former Pres - County Sheriff's of Colorado

"Honestly, I’ve not been more impressed with a police training that I’ve attended in the last 20 years..."
Tom McClain
Chief of Police
Willard, MO

"I am a firm believer that Police Dynamics and Character First! equip the men and women that work for the Oklahoma Sheriff’s Office to do their job and do it better."
John Whetsel
Sheriff
Oklahoma County, OK

"If you believe that good character is an essential element in policing, you will want to send your key staff to Police Dynamics."
David Williams
Sheriff
Tarrant County, TX

"In the three years prior to our character initiative, we had 42 labor and employee grievances, and seven different lawsuits. In the three years since we put the character initiative in place, we have had two grievances and no lawsuits from employees. I think that, in and of itself, is significant."
Rodney Ray
City Manager
Owasso, OK

"This course was one of the best training sessions that I’ve been through. This concept will benefit me and the staff in my division."
Police Dynamics participant

[We have] more awareness of the preventative benefits of a character initiative as opposed to the typical reactive approach to situations. There is a sense of excitement by organization leaders as they begin to see a change in their culture. Bob Powell
Character Council
Fort Collins, CO

"[The Police Dynamics training] brings us closer together, more like a family … it reminds us of why we’re out there and what it’s about.”
Captain John Decker
Dorchester County Sheriff's Office, SC

"This class gave me the vocabulary that I have been looking for to praise and motivate my employees."
Police Dynamics participant

"We’ve built a much better relationship with each other. We’ve seen a decrease in complaints. We’ve become a family instead of a place to work."
Sheriff Howie Godwin
Highlands County, FL

“This shows us a new approach to recognize employees’ character traits - and to acknowledge them for those good traits versus, 'You did an excellent job…' It’s some fresh ideas in an area that we probably all need to change."
Major P.D. Taylor
Oklahoma County Sheriff's Office

"The Police Dynamics training that Ray Nash brought teaches the things that are at the core of being a good police officer – being trustworthy, being of good character…"
Sgt. Julie Shearer
Cincinnati Police Div.

“In the Police Dynamics training seminar, the officers are able to set a standard in their own lives of the kind of character they want to see in their community."
Chaplain Carl Nelson
Colorado Springs Police Department

"Character is the solution to the real problem in our community of crime. Character supplies the answer."
Hon. F.A. Schad
Former Judge
Burleson, TX

“I want you to know that my international and national career was very much influenced by your lessons and knowing you was of paramount importance for my job and career. Many Romanian police officers are grateful to you and to Character training."
Teofil Parasca
Assistant Superintendent
Arad County Police
Romania

"I would like to work more toward management by principles instead of rules – with an emphasis on character and guiding principles."
Chief Lynn Williams
Chickasha, OK

“We need to return to our basic character traits that made this country great. Ray Nash has the program to do it."
Police Dynamics participant

"This shows us a new approach to recognize those employees’ character traits and to recognize and acknowledge them for those good traits versus, “You did an excellent job…” It’s some fresh ideas in an area that we probably all need to change."
Major P.D. Taylor
Oklahoma County Sheriff's Office

"In the three years prior to our character initiative, we had 42 labor and employee grievances, and seven different lawsuits. In the three years since we put the character initiative in place, we have had two grievances and no lawsuits from employees. I think that, in and of itself, is significant."
Rodney Ray
City Manager
Owasso, OK

"Absolutely fantastic! It reminded me of why I wanted to be a peace officer."
Police Dynamics participant

"the finest value-added training anywhere."
Sheriff David Williams
Tarrant County, TX

"We continue to benefit from your teaching and hire with a strong emphasis on character."
Chief Tom McClain
Willard, MO

"Once again, I feel absolutely indebted to you for the program you have developed and your desire to change the world through the building of better law enforcement officers."
Glen P. Trainor
Undersheriff
Grand County, CO

"Sheriff Ray Nash is an internationally recognized speaker that you and your staff will learn powerful principles from, while enjoying the lesson."
DeWayne Beggs
Sheriff
Cleveland County, OK

"Very comprehensive, a great resource manual for the future. The seminar was dynamic in every way. What a great resource for people throughout their day-to-day routines.”
Doug Carter
Trooper
Indiana State Police