Choices: Reasons for Failure and Decision Making

The STRIVE presenter on Thursday February 2^nd was Rotarian Member and Police Chief Brian Litsey talking about Choices and Reasons for Failure and Decision Making.  Brian shared with the students that he became interested in law while he was attending Normandale College when he was about 20 years old.  He went on to get his Associates Degree (two year) and then went on to college to get his Bachelors and Master’s Degrees in Criminology and Law Enforcement.

Litsey talked with the students about making wise choices and that in law enforcement careers their choices count and become part of their permanent record.  “In law enforcement you have to make split-second decisions based on the best data and information you have in your possession at that time and under the circumstances and surroundings of the situation you are in.  A lot of it has to do with your training and a lot has to do with your strength of character.  So, make good decisions!”  Brian went on to discuss making good decisions with these points:

1.    Think about things in advance – Drinking, Drugs, Driving, etc.

2.    Learn from your mistakes and don’t repeat bad behaviors.

3.    Look for alternatives within Your Choices that have the most positive outcomes for now and your future life.    

(At that point in the choices discussion he interjected a bit of humor by looking over at the raised glazed donuts that are supplied for each STRIVE Meeting and said, “I will not eat any of those donuts so as not to perpetuate the “Cop” stereotype about donuts!”  He got a great laugh from the kids and the mentors.)

Brian went on to discuss the “Six Pillars of Character” that he uses in teaching his law enforcement class at Mankato State University and talked about each of the six pillars:

1.    Trustworthiness - be honest

2.    Respect – respect yourself and others

3.    Responsibility – be reliable and follow through on your commitments

4.    Fairness – do the right thing and stand-up for the right things; build a good reputation

5.    Caring – be caring and considerate to your friends and others

6.    Citizenship – be a good citizen – practice Rotary’s “Service Above Self” – give back

Litsey then handed out a reading entitled “Living A Life That Matters” and read it for the students and ended his presentation by discussing some of the decisions that they will need to face in the coming months and then did Q & A with the STRIVE Students.  (Pictured with Chief Litsey is a STRIVE Student interested in a career in Law Enforcement.)