Visionary law enforcement executives are asserting themselves as primary focal points for identifying and promoting public safety needs. A new generation of officers is now part of police departments, and police leaders can no longer allow their efforts to be limited by parochial, political, or jurisdictional boundaries. Leadership is viewed as learned behavior that changes according to cultures and values. In addition, leadership represents a system, an interrelated group of elements that form a collective entity. The author looks at behavior that may prevent effective leadership; the importance of personality factors in leadership; and the development of power through visibility, performance, and integrity. The author also examines organizational considerations in the environment of leadership that affect a leader's style and reasons for weak leadership in police organizations and discusses the selection and development of police leaders. References and notes