What qualities do you expect to see in a highly effective leader?
Okay, first and foremost; people skills especially if you’re dealing with the public which is what my job basically is. And, I don’t only have to deal with the public, I have to deal with my coworkers. That does not mean you have to please everybody and make everybody happy because everyone will never be happy. But you have to have those types of people skills where you can deal with all types of people from rich people, to dirt poor people and everybody in between. In my career I’ve had to deal with presidents, the Pope and people that are poor. So, you have to know how to shift your gears and not make that poor person feel like they are any different than the rich person. Because of the job that I do, I have to serve everybody. So you’ve got to be first and foremost for me that’s people skills and being able to shift your gears. That’s kind of paramount with me; people skills and communication. I don’t know if communication is a part of people skills but for me communication is paramount. It's paramount to let people know this is what I expect-this is what I need. If they don't do what you need them to do, they need to know that.-Rochelle "Rocky" Jones (1min.)
Rochelle "Rocky" Jones, Captain,
St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department
LSL Class of 2004-05
Captain Rochelle "Rocky" Denise Jones was sworn in as a commissioned Police Officer with the Metropolitan Police Department on July 25, 1983. She began her career serving as a Police Officer in the Fourth District, Sex Crimes/Child Abuse and the Sixth District.
In July of 1991, she was promoted to the rank of Sergeant. As a Sergeant, she served as a commander of the Canine Unit for five years. Captain Jones was promoted to Lieutenant in November of 2001. As a Lieutenant she served in the Homicide Division and was the first female in the history of the department to command that division. She also served in the Fifth and Sixth Districts.
Captain Jones was promoted to her current rank in April of 2006 and served as Commander of the Eighth District and Special Projects person for the Inspector of Police. She currently serves as Station Executive Officer of the Department’s North Patrol Division.
Captain Jones has received two Chief’s Letter of Commendation for exceptional performance. She has received the “Illuminator Award” from the Professional Organization of Women (POW).
Captain Jones has a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice Management from Concordia University. She is also a graduate from the Senior Management Institute for Police.
Captain Jones is a Soror, Delta Sigma Theta. She is a member of NOBLE (National Organization of Law Enforcement Executives) and the ESOP (Ethical Society of Police). She is also a member of the Fraternal Order of Police and the WPON (Women’s Police Officer Network).
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