EPISODE 033: SHERIFF MIKE CHITWOOD | VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA

The Leadership Crucible Podcast

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Navigating the Challenges of Law Enforcement Leadership:
Insights from Sheriff Mike Chitwood

A second-generation law enforcement officer confronts the challenges of leadership, battles the fentanyl crisis, and strives to make a difference in a constantly scrutinized profession.
In this episode, you will be able to:

• Enhance your leadership skills and strategies to effectively address challenges in law enforcement.
• Stay ahead of the curve with insights on the impact of technology on policing and interpersonal skills.
• Discover effective solutions for recruitment and retention issues faced by law enforcement agencies.
• Learn innovative approaches to community engagement while addressing the fentanyl crisis.
• Gain valuable insights on the importance of mentoring and support in developing future leaders in law enforcement.

My special guest is Sheriff Mike Chitwood
We are honored to have Sheriff Mike Chitwood join us as a guest on the Leadership Crucible Podcast. With an impressive career in law enforcement spanning over three decades, Sheriff Chitwood brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. Starting as a lieutenant in the Philadelphia Police Department, he excelled in various divisions, including Patrol, Tactical, Narcotics, and the Detective Division. Throughout his career, Sheriff Chitwood received 58 commendations for his valor, bravery, heroism, and merit. After serving as police chief in Shawnee, Oklahoma, and Daytona Beach, Florida, he was elected as the Volusia County Sheriff in 2016 and reelected without opposition in 2020. With his extensive training from the FBI National Academy and Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command, Sheriff Chitwood is a respected leader in the law enforcement community. Join us as we delve into his personal journey and gain valuable insights into his leadership approach in the face of challenges.
The key moments in this episode are:
00:00:00 - Introduction,
00:02:31 - Sheriff Chitwood's Experience in Philadelphia,
00:07:05 - Journey to Becoming a Police Chief,
00:09:56 - Taking Opportunities and Longevity,
00:11:06 - Current Challenges in Law Enforcement,
00:14:37 - The Impact of Substance Abuse on Communities,
00:15:12 - Challenges Facing Law Enforcement,
00:16:54 - Transparency and Community Relations,
00:21:00 - Leadership Lessons and Development,
00:24:06 - Leadership Void in Law Enforcement,
00:28:40 - The Grim Future of Technology and AI,
00:30:16 - The Importance of Interpersonal Skills,
00:32:26 - The Challenges of Work from Home and Hybrid Models,
00:34:53 - The Duty and Obligation of Younger Leaders,
00:35:58 - The Call to Lead and Bring Perspectives,
Bio:
Personal
• Born November 1963 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
• Second-generation law enforcement officer
• Three grown daughters, three grandchildren
Education
• Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Management, Eastern University of Pennsylvania (2005)
• Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice, NOVA Southeastern University (2008)
Employment
• Elected Sheriff of Volusia County in August 2016. Sworn in on Jan. 3, 2017. Re-elected without opposition in August 2020.
• Police Chief, Daytona Beach Police Department (May 30, 2006-November 11, 2016)
• Police Chief, Shawnee, Oklahoma (May 1, 2005-May 23, 2006)
• Philadelphia Police Department (November 1988-May 2005); worked in the patrol, tactical, narcotics and detective divisions; rose to the rank of Lieutenant and was the recipient of 58 official commendations for valor, bravery, heroism and merit Professional training
• Graduate of the Philadelphia Police Academy
• Graduate of the 204th session of the FBI National Academy, Quantico, VA (2001)
• Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command (1999)
Professional Involvement
• Board of Directors, Police Executive Research Forum
• Member of the International Association of Police Chiefs
• Member of the Volusia/Flagler Police Chiefs Association
• Adjunct professor, University of Central Florida