Bill Westenberger

Legitimacy Brings Vision, Connection

BY BILL WESTENBERGER

In February, I had the opportunity to attend a leadership luncheon presentation that highlighted leadership vision. One of the definitions mentioned was “the ability to see around the corner.” I instantly began to think of relativity in my leadership role and our leadership role as an agency in service to our community. I thought of the description and how we seek clear vision. It can be really tough when nearly 50% of our duty is focused on response and reactions to incidents along with the realistic inability to see the future.

In 2015, the President’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing produced a report that highlighted pillars of law enforcement. As that report was released, we quickly began to measure ourselves against those pillars. Though there will always be room for improvement, we were pleased that our organizational culture was rooted in a strong foundation.

As I thought more on the correlation of vision in regards to law enforcement and community service, I thought of the first pillar mentioned, “Building Trust and Legitimacy.” I thought of legitimacy, and its meaning in the context it was presented. We serve a diverse community composed of different perspectives and expectations. Legitimacy encompasses connecting with all we serve. If segments of our community do not feel connected, we will have marginal legitimacy in that community.

Officer Chris Johnson visits Foundations for the Future School.

As crime trends and service needs change, it is imperative we find ways to remain connected to all we serve. Connections build relationships, and relationships reveal perspectives and, ultimately, needs. Such a revelation allows us to identify the best ways to serve. It gives us a vision of what might be coming “around the corner.” We recognize the effort necessary in establishing and maintaining legitimacy with you. It is the cornerstone of our purpose, and we are excited to engage. We also recognize that our role of protecting is reliant on our legitimacy.

Like other community successes, our foundation to a safer community relies on all of us and our collective ability to look “around the corner” and identify the vision. We love serving with you and want to continue thriving in our relations and partnerships. We thank you for your trust and will always work alongside you to maintain it.

Until next time, stay safe.

Bill Westenberger has served as chief since 2008. He was given the 2019 Kennesaw Citizen of the Year Award.