In an ever-evolving world, the role of law enforcement agencies and officers has never been more crucial. To meet the dynamic challenges they face, it is essential that aspiring law enforcers not only possess competence but also exhibit unwavering character. The recent Public Safety Leadership and Character Enhancement seminar, hosted by the School of Criminal Justice (SCJ) as part of the SCJ Student Development Program 2023-2024, brought these critical aspects into focus. This article delves into the key highlights of the seminar and the valuable insights shared by the distinguished speakers.
On September 28, the SCJ conducted the Public Safety Leadership and Character Enhancement Seminar in MLQU Campus. The event was a day-long affair, commencing at 9:00 a.m. and concluding at 4:00 p.m. The seminar aimed to equip criminology students with the essential qualities and attributes needed to excel as law enforcers.
Architect John Joseph Fernandez, Vice President for Academic Affairs of MLQU, graced the occasion as the guest speaker. His presence underscored the importance of character development and leadership within the broader academic community.
One of the standout moments of the seminar was the motivational speech delivered by Police Coronel Roman Dela Cruz, Jr., Chief of the Career Course Management Division of the National Police Training Institute (NPTI). Coronel Dela Cruz shared invaluable wisdom on how criminology students can prepare themselves to become upright and effective law enforcers. His talk emphasized the importance of character, values, and ethics in the field of public safety.
The seminar revolved around the central them – the equation of character and competence. Speakers emphasized that character represents “what we are,” while competence signifies “what we can do.” Together, they form the core of an individual’s and an organization’s identify. The collective character of an organization’s employees plays a pivotal role in defining its overall character.
The speakers emphasized that even the best products and services cannot compensate for an organization with a compromised character. They highlighted that successful companies excel in developing both the character and competence of their employees.
The equation of character and competence ultimately leads to trust. Trust is the cornerstone of effective leadership and public safety. It is the trust garnered from those you lead, the trust of the people you serve, the trust of your superiors, and the trust of your colleagues and peers. Trust is the currency that drives successful law enforcement operations, and it cannot be underestimated.
It can be said that the Public Safety Leadership and Character Enhancement seminar was a resounding success. The seminar provided a platform for criminology students to gain profound insights into the importance of character and competence in their future careers. The equation of character and competence, as well as the emphasis on trust, will undoubtedly serve as guiding principles for the aspiring law enforcers who attended the event. At they embark on their journeys, these students are well-equipped with the knowledge and motivation needed to become exemplary public safety professionals, ready to uphold the values and ethics that define the noble profession of law enforcement.
