Crime seems to be creeping up after many years on the down side. We analyze our efforts and look through our successes. We see a struggling economy, jobless rates on the rise, socio-economic issues that are larger than our jurisdictions can address, and one thing is certain, there will be more and new challenges in the coming year. Some challenges we have faced before, some that continue and some we cannot imagine.

As law enforcement leaders, our roles continue to be to provide direction and vision for those who are often overworked, underpaid, understaffed and oft' unappreciated.

Sounds difficult? These are the challenges that we continuously face and the challenges that defined us as leaders. There is neither a challenge nor a need for a leader in a place where everything is perfect.

To the ordinary person, this sounds like gloom and doom. To us, these "opportunities" stimulate the salivary glands. We welcome the challenge, because we know we can make a difference. We jump in with both feet, roll up our sleeves, grab the bull by the horns, and direct it on a course to success.

We no longer search for instant gratification. Our vision is accomplished incrementally and with every incremental step, our smiles broaden, and the smiles of those we lead begin to grow as they experience the "ah hah." And, maybe that is what this leadership thing is all about.

So, with the holidays behind us, it's full steam ahead. I wish you all a Happy, Healthy and Successful New Year.