Written by Chaplain Matthew Miller CCC
For over three decades, I have worked in and around law enforcement, witnessing firsthand the dedication of officers who serve their communities with integrity. Yet, I have also seen systemic flaws in leadership that undermine public trust and erode the profession’s credibility. At the local, county, and state levels, American law enforcement is plagued by nepotism and a "screw up, move up" culture that rewards incompetence and loyalty over merit.
To address these issues, we must reform leadership structures and establish countywide advisory and investigation boards with diverse representation—including former law enforcement, convicted criminals, and faith leaders—to ensure accountability and rebuild community trust.
The leadership crisis in law enforcement stems from entrenched practices that prioritize personal connections over qualifications. Nepotism runs rampant in many agencies, where promotions are often granted to friends, family, or loyalists rather than those with the skills to lead effectively. In my 30 years, I’ve seen unqualified individuals ascend to command roles simply because they were part of the "good ol’ boys" network. This breeds resentment among rank-and-file officers and creates a culture where competence is secondary to allegiance.
Equally troubling is the "screw up, move up" phenomenon. In many agencies, officers who make serious mistakes—whether through misconduct, poor judgment, or negligence—are not disciplined but promoted. This perverse system protects those who fail, sending them to higher ranks or less visible roles to avoid scrutiny. I’ve watched as leaders who mishandled critical incidents or alienated their teams were rewarded with prestigious assignments, while diligent officers were overlooked. This not only demoralizes the workforce but also signals to the public that accountability is an afterthought.
These leadership failures have real-world consequences. When nepotism and incompetence define command structures, agencies struggle to address complex issues like officer misconduct, systemic bias, or community distrust. High-profile cases of excessive force or corruption often trace back to leaders who were ill-equipped or unwilling to enforce standards. The public, understandably, loses faith in institutions that seem to protect their own at the expense of justice.
To break this cycle, we must rethink how law enforcement leadership is selected and held accountable.
First, agencies should adopt merit-based promotion systems, with transparent criteria emphasizing leadership skills, ethical conduct, and community engagement. Independent non-political oversight bodies should review promotions to ensure fairness and inhibit favoritism.
Second, training for supervisors must go beyond tactical skills to include emotional intelligence, conflict resolution, cultural competency, and ethical decision-making. Leaders should be evaluated not just on arrests or clearances but on their ability to foster trust and collaboration inside and outside headquarters.
Most critically, we need robust independent oversight to address serious allegations of officer and leadership misconduct to ensure that tax dollars are not wasted on frivolous actions against officers outside the ‘good old boys club ‘ and share their findings publicly.
I propose the creation of countywide advisory and investigation boards tasked with reviewing claims of corruption, excessive force, or abuse of power.
These boards should be uniquely inclusive, comprising former law enforcement officers, convicted criminals who have served their sentences, and faith leaders.
This diverse composition ensures a balance of perspectives: former officers bring insider knowledge of agency dynamics, reformed individuals offer insights into the impact of policing on marginalized communities, and faith leaders provide moral and ethical grounding. Such a board would not only investigate allegations but also advise on policy reforms, bridging the gap between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
Critics may argue that including convicted criminals undermines the board’s credibility. However, those who have experienced the justice system firsthand can offer invaluable perspectives on its flaws and biases. Their inclusion signals a commitment to redemption and reconciliation, showing that reform is not just about punishment but about understanding. Likewise, faith leaders can help navigate the moral complexities of policing, fostering dialogue in communities where trust has been fractured.
The need for leadership reform in American law enforcement is urgent. Nepotism and the "screw up, move up" culture have eroded public confidence and hindered the progress of the very candidates who possess both the ability and the integrity required of a law enforcement executive. By prioritizing merit, accountability, and community involvement, we can rebuild law enforcement into a profession that truly serves and protects. Establishing countywide oversight boards with broad representation is a bold step toward that goal—one that reflects the diverse voices of our communities and the shared commitment to justice.
After 30 years in this field, I believe this is not just possible but necessary. The time for change is now.
