Abstract
Research indicates that leadership in law enforcement is a continuous learning process (Birzer et al., 2016; Davies & Heysmand, 2021; Niles et al., 2024; Roberts et al., 2016). Due to the complex structure and changing environment, leadership responsibilities fall upon multiple individuals in a chain of command (C. Davis, 2020; G. W. Garner, 2016; Sienkiewicz-Malyjurek, 2016). The research study aimed to identify best practices for leadership in law enforcement that leaders employ that make them successful. It used a phenomenological qualitative design and purposive sampling method to obtain a sample size of 15 participants. The study utilized a semi structured interview protocol with eight open ended questions. The findings of this study include eight key findings. Notably, the leadership strategies and practices employed by leaders in law enforcement include: (a) openness, (b) developing others, (c) listening, and (d) collaboration. This study identified best practices that will assist future leaders in law enforcement to successfully lead the chain of command and secure public safety. The study provided components to develop a toolkit for leaders in law enforcement to utilize to navigate change and measure success.
Library of Congress Subject Headings
Law enforcement—Leadership; Probation officers; Leadership—Case studies
Date of Award
2025
School Affiliation
Graduate School of Education and Psychology
Department/Program
Education
Degree Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctorate
Faculty Advisor
Farzin Madjidi
Recommended Citation
Panganiban, Ronamae, "Best practices in leadership in probation" (2025). Theses and Dissertations. 1664.
https://digitalcommons.pepperdine.edu/etd/1664