When a natural disaster strikes, it's common for first responders to cooperate with personnel from other departments, rushing aid to where it's most needed. For example, the recent response to Hurricane Florence drew specialized assistance from EMS crews from up and down the East Coast.

Leadership and personnel development within police departments are complex processes, due to the unique and frequently dangerous nature of the work. Knowing the capabilities of subordinates and entrusting them with the right level of responsibility are essential qualities for departmental leaders.

The role of emergency medical professionals in active shooter incidents is critical - but also dangerous. The National Fire Protection Association recently unveiled a nationwide standard to help all first responders safely execute their roles in such a situation.

It's important to have a solid framework in place for succession within a police department. When leaders actively assess suitability for promotion at all levels of the command chain, open roles can be filled smoothly and quickly, with minimal disruption.

Police officers' day-to-day effectiveness relies on responding to the world around them. Today, that task includes understanding and working with technology.

Social media's growing role in community communications is too important to ignore, and tech-savvy police departments can even receive tips from the public and distribute public safety information via Facebook, Twitter or other platforms.

In the wake of tragedies such as the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting, communities and police departments often review school resource officer programs. The organizational policies behind these strategies are sometimes complicated. For instance, state government agencies are often involved in planning and funding the deployments alongside local police departments.

Police, Fire, EMS: The divisions between first responder departments are distinct in most communities. In small-town settings, however, combining duties could increase the percentage of full-time emergency personnel on staff and reduce response times.

Body-worn camera initiatives in correctional facilities may fail to get off the ground unless the program includes well-defined policies. These typically include recording protocols, data storage and user access.

Law enforcement agencies across the country are facing unprecedented recruitment challenges. While all differ in size and the communities they serve, each could benefit by following a few best practices.

Department leaders hoping to keep their best and brightest officers for years to come should consider whether they're on the same page as their personnel when it comes to benefits and opportunities for advancement. If officers don't see a chance to learn new skills and move up in the ranks, they may begin looking for employment elsewhere.

Today's law enforcement officers face unprecedented challenges with expanding responsibilities.  In addition to responding to calls for service and deterring crime, they are now charged with protecting their communities against domestic and foreign threats on a daily basis. Add to that the increase in cultural tensions and civil hostilities from community members they are sworn to protect.