All organizations require effective and competent leadership to be successful. An organization cannot function effectively without proper guidance and direction. A sailboat may be able to sail with a crew, but without effective leadership, its chances of winning a regatta are dismal. Public service agencies are no exception. This is perhaps most critical among law enforcement agencies, whose duties focus on serving and protecting the public.

The complexities of managing personnel and managing crime create unique needs for police leadership. Technological advances in crime solving continually emerge coupled with innovative methods of committing crime. Socioeconomic, demographic, and political factors have also affected the law enforcement profession. These changes are perhaps most evident since the horrific terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. The increased level of complexity in the law enforcement profession since then requires police agencies to evaluate their visions and missions and to examine the larger role of the profession in society.