Officer M. Tinsley recently completed her term as Chief of the week.

Officer M. Tinsley recently completed her term as Chief of the week. One of requirements of being Chief of the week, is a written assignment discussing her week and what she has experienced and learned from her week. We thank Officer Tinsley for stepping up to the challenge as Chief of the week and for her thoughts and takeaway from her experience.
“During the week of June 22, 2020, I was presented with an amazing opportunity to step in as Police Chief of the week for the Hitchcock Police Department. Having been in Law Enforcement for five years, this opportunity gave me insight to my future in Law Enforcement and a better appreciation for this position. I was able to witness the workings of the department that not many people get to see when it comes to decision making for not just yourself but numerous people.
On June 23, 2020 I had to identify an issue, understand the best interest of everyone, and find a possible solution that would help with pushing forward on how to handle the invisible enemy that is sweeping this world at this time. As soon as it was learned that there was an Officer who tested positive for COVID-19, I made the decision to have everyone tested as soon as possible. To minimize contact with employees and citizens, I consulted with Captain Underwood and Lieutenant Pruitt on allowing an officer to stay at home for two weeks to answer the less priority calls. This allowed the officers on the streets to minimize contact and respond to emergencies only. With this decision, I believe we were able to minimize the spread of COVID-19 to and from each other along with the community within that week significantly. Keeping the spread of the virus at bay is a very crucial matter, especially for a small department.
Even though I made the decision for the safety of the employees and their families, some individuals were not pleased and did not agree with my decision. I took it upon myself to speak with these individuals openly and we were able to discuss my decision-making process and the pressure that I currently was under from such a stressful situation. I realized that there will always be someone who has opinions about the decisions being made and the job being done.
This encounter brought my attention to the things that Chief Smith is presented with daily, that no one knows about. I truly believe that Chief Smith carefully examines every option for the best outcome of any situation that is at hand. During a recent conversation with Chief Smith about my experience, we discussed the importance of being respectful, documentation, and the important role the Chief of Police has within the community. Chief Smith places a heavy emphasis on leadership. It is required that everyone assume leadership roles within the agency and the community. As a result of my assigned task I can honestly say that my confidence is higher.
Something else I experienced, was how the yearly budget works and the obstructions that may present itself. We were able to purchase three new 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe’s fully equipped, new computer modems, body cameras and dash cams; all of which were desperately needed.
We currently possess a magnificent group of individuals who work for the Hitchcock Police Department, who all carry a very important role. During my time as Chief of the Week, I gained a stronger appreciation for not only Chief’s role, but the others who serve in our department. With such great potential and the leadership, we are under, I look forward to the things to come for this department.”
-M. Tinsley #914