Core Competencies
Executive Summaries
Leading and Managing in the Public Interest
Ethical Leadership Interview Paper
This paper presents an in-depth interview with a senior law enforcement leader and local business administrator and explores effective leadership styles within public organizations. The interviewee discuss their approach to building team cohesion, delegating effectively, and maintaining ethical standards while leading under pressure. Key themes include transformational leadership, where the leader motivates through vision and empowerment, and servant leadership, emphasizing care for subordinate development and well-being. The paper highlights how the interviewees balance mission objectives with ermployee morale, demonstrating that authentic leadership builds trust and operational success. This artifact demonstrates NASPAA’s core competency Leading and Managing in the Public Interest by connecting scholarly concepts with direct organizational experience.
Managing Public Organizations Memorandum
This memo analyzes Douglas McGregor’s Theory X and Theory Y leadership styles within the context of law enforcement management. It reflects on Rainey’s discussion of these theories and applies them to the policing profession, arguing that while Theory X’s authoritative approach is sometimes necessary during emergencies, modern leaders benefit more from Theory Y’s collaborative style to foster employee engagement and satisfaction. This artifact reflects my competency in Leading And Managing In The Public Interest by showing analytical thinking, integration of classic leadership models into modern contexts, and my vision for more inclusive and effective management practices.
Participating and Contributing to the Policy Process
Facial Recognition IRAC
This IRAC – issue, rule, application, conclusion – analysis evaluates the ethical, legal, and policy implications of deploying facial recognition technology in public safety. It evaluates the importance of balancing public safety and law enforcement with the Fourth Amendment and privacy rights. While the technology could prove beneficial, it must be balanced with clear guidelines and judicial oversight. This work demonstrates the core competency of participating and contributing to the policy process by showing how complex legal-ethical dilemmas are evaluated and recommending balanced policies that uphold constitutional rights while still enabling public safety operations.
Public Policy Process Memorandum
This memo to the Chief of Department addresses modern day challenges in public sector grooming and uniform standards; department policies affect morale, recruitment and retention, and community relations. While uniform appearances are important, too rigid of a standard may restrict cultural expression and personal rights. This memorandum demonstrates the competency Participating and Contributing to the Policy Process by applying structured policy analysis framework to develop a realistic and focused approach to policy development.
Analysis and Critical Thinking
Data Analysis Problem Set
This problem set applies core principles of quantitative data analysis to explore relationships between variables relevant to public administration. Using Excel based statistical tools, I conducted descriptive analysis and hypothesis testing to draw conclusions form a public dataset involving municipal performance. The exercise included calculating means, medians, and standard deviations; this was followed by interpreting regression output to understand how one variable may influence another. Analysis and critical thinking are showcased by turning raw data into actionable insight.
Public Policy and Gun Buyback Programs
This artifact explores the possibility of allowing municipalities in the State of NJ to conduct gun buyback programs, which under current law must be held by the county prosecutor’s office. This leads to decreased community faith in the local police department and a surplus of weapons being stored in evidence. This artifact combines reasoning and public policy design, showing the ability to critically analyze an issue and suggest solutions.
Articulating, Applying, and Advancing a Public Service Perspective
Ethics and Collective Bargaining
This case study explores the ethical dilemmas faced by a public manager engaged in collective bargaining, where administrative integrity is challenged by competing loyalties and political pressure. My analysis draws upon Berman’s human resource ethics framework and Cooper’s components of responsible conduct to evaluate the decision-making process. I argue that while negotiation is necessary, it must be grounded in respect for transparency, long-term equity, and trust in government. I conclude that public administrators must resist political expediency and act in the interest of sustained organizational integrity. This work advances the public service perspective by elevating ethical decision-making and the principles of democratic accountability.
Digitally Invisible
This reflective piece examines digital exclusion as a social justice issue in the public sector, especially for populations lacking reliable internet, digital literacy, and representation in emerging tech platforms. When framed as a moral imperative, not just a technical issue, the need for cultural responsiveness and equity-driven governance is reinforced. This artifact reflects a deep public service perspective by linking administrative decisions to broader issues of justice, accessibility, and ethical responsibility.
Communicating and Interacting Productively and in Culturally Responsive Ways
Smart Cities
This reflective paper highlights my observations and insights following a series of presentations by classmates on Smart Cities and focuses on how diverse urban centers use technology to serve residents in equitable and innovative ways. The importance of transparent communication, community engagement, and accessibility are all examined, showing the importance of communicating proactively with a diverse and ever-changing society while still promoting innovation and urban growth.
Coded Bias
This artifact analyzes the documentary Coded Bias, which explored how artificial intelligence and facial recognition can reinforce racial and gender biases. Algorithms are only as solid as the people that have programmed the, and as we area all aware, people have inherent biases. This emphasizes the need for checks and balances and inclusive oversight. There are real world implications in the law enforcement field and public policy, and administrators must thoughtfully engage on this culturally sensitive topic, always advocating for inclusion and fairness.