Police Dynamics | Character Comes First at the Sheriff's Office

Character Comes First at the Sheriff's Office
Written by Julie Smith, Staff Writer

On Sheriff Ray Nash's watch, Dorchester County deputies are expected to protect, serve–and show compassion, endurance, tolerance and joyfulness. Those traits and 45 more are outlined in mandatory "character training" workshops conducted monthly for all sheriff's office employees. Instead of praising an achievement, such as a big drug bust, Nash believes in celebrating the trait – diligence, maybe, or alertness – that led to the achievement.

On Jan. 7, 1997 – the day [he took office] – Nash began implementing the Character First! curriculum produced by the Character Training Institute in Oklahoma City. Nash said the curriculum, which is not overtly religious, "is the greatest thing I have seen in my management experience, in terms of transforming hearts and lives." Nash – who plans to seek re-election next year – and sheriff's chaplain Shelby Weeks conduct the hour-long sessions, which are held twice monthly in County Council chambers.

The Character First! program is based on a four-year series of bulletins enhanced with color illustrations and graphics. Each explores a different character trait – it's origin in Latin, examples in history and nature, and ways to implement the trait at work and in family life. Truthfulness is defined as "earning future trust by accurately reporting past facts." Obedience – one of Nash's favorites – is shown by "cheerfully carrying out the directions and the wishes of authorities." The ruffed grouse, which protects its chicks from the elements, helps illustrate compassion; a moth breaking free of a cocoon illustrates endurance.

"This training deals with stuff we need in real life," Weeks said. He encourages the use of humor and audience participation at the sessions. "It's great when someone comes back later and says it's helped them."

This week Nash has been teaching character-based principles at the Charleston Air Force Base fire department. "This concept is really catching on," he said.

Administrative assistant Bonita Tavares said the training is a morale booster – especially the session on endurance. "I use it with my daughter and husband," she said. The program "gives individuals a way to articulate their core values," Franklin Smith, a local motivational consultant who specializes in Character First! training, said. "It lets them communicate their beliefs in a clear, concise way to others."

Good character is also an equalizer. "Not everyone can be a high achiever, but everyone can attain good character," Nash said.

"In our line of work, this is useful," Cpl. Bob Boris said. "No matter how long you've been in law enforcement, it helps to keep these traits in mind."

Lt. John Decker, a DCSO training officer, said the character training "brings us closer together, more like a family … it reminds us of why we're out there and what it's about."

This article first appeared in the Summerville Journal-Scene and is reprinted here with permission. Written by Julie Smith, Staff Writer.



	Character Comes First at the Sheriff's Office Written by Julie Smith, Staff Writer On Sheriff Ray Nash's watch, Dorchester County deputies are expected to protect, serve–and show compassion, endurance, tolerance and joyfulness. Those traits and 45 more are outlined in mandatory "character training" workshops conducted monthly for all sheriff's office employees. Instead of praising an achievement, such as a big drug bust, Nash believes in celebrating the trait – diligence, maybe, or alertness – that led to the achievement. On Jan. 7, 1997 – the day [he took office] – Nash began implementing the Character First! curriculum produced by the Character Training Institute in Oklahoma City. Nash said the curriculum, which is not overtly religious, "is the greatest thing I have seen in my management experience, in terms of transforming hearts and lives." Nash – who plans to seek re-election next year – and sheriff's chaplain Shelby Weeks conduct the hour-long sessions, which are held twice monthly in County Council chambers. The Character First! program is based on a four-year series of bulletins enhanced with color illustrations and graphics. Each explores a different character trait – it's origin in Latin, examples in history and nature, and ways to implement the trait at work and in family life. Truthfulness is defined as "earning future trust by accurately reporting past facts." Obedience – one of Nash's favorites – is shown by "cheerfully carrying out the directions and the wishes of authorities." The ruffed grouse, which protects its chicks from the elements, helps illustrate compassion; a moth breaking free of a cocoon illustrates endurance. "This training deals with stuff we need in real life," Weeks said. He encourages the use of humor and audience participation at the sessions. "It's great when someone comes back later and says it's helped them." This week Nash has been teaching character-based principles at the Charleston Air Force Base fire department. "This concept is really catching on," he said. Administrative assistant Bonita Tavares said the training is a morale booster – especially the session on endurance. "I use it with my daughter and husband," she said. The program "gives individuals a way to articulate their core values," Franklin Smith, a local motivational consultant who specializes in Character First! training, said. "It lets them communicate their beliefs in a clear, concise way to others." Good character is also an equalizer. "Not everyone can be a high achiever, but everyone can attain good character," Nash said. "In our line of work, this is useful," Cpl. Bob Boris said. "No matter how long you've been in law enforcement, it helps to keep these traits in mind." Lt. John Decker, a DCSO training officer, said the character training "brings us closer together, more like a family … it reminds us of why we're out there and what it's about." This article first appeared in the Summerville Journal-Scene and is reprinted here with permission. Written by Julie Smith, Staff Writer.


	2003 Police Dynamics Institute