Sep 12, 2023
In this insightful podcast episode, we are joined by Marcia Harnden, a distinguished figure in law enforcement with a 30-year career, currently serving as the Police Chief for the Albany Police Department in Oregon. Additionally, she holds the role of Managing Partner at M3 Leadership Group, where she imparts her extensive leadership expertise to prepare aspiring leaders for promotion and building their leadership toolkit.
Marcia begins by sharing her invaluable experiences and observations from her remarkable journey in the law enforcement profession. Her tenure as a police chief commenced just prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, presenting her with a unique set of challenges and opportunities.
One remarkable achievement discussed is her exceptional success in boosting staffing levels within her agency to an impressive 99%, while many other law enforcement agencies faced significant staffing shortages. She sheds light on her innovative approach to recruitment, including the immediate assignment of mentors to new applicants, fostering a culture where the default response is "yes," with a focus on enhancing the agency's overall performance.
A pivotal aspect of Marcia's strategy involves leveraging social media to showcase the exceptional qualities of her officers. By doing so, she has not only strengthened the connection with her community but also consistently piqued interest in her agency.
In her role at M3 Leadership Group, Marcia plays a crucial part in preparing leaders for advancement within their organizations. She emphasizes the importance of continuously building one's leadership skills and knowledge.
To learn more about Marcia Harnden and her insights into employee retention and officer wellness, you can connect with her on LinkedIn or visit the M3 Leadership Group website. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the dynamic world of law enforcement and the positive impact of strong leadership.