Customer Reviews

9 reviews

• Jen Sharpling - Sergeant, Metropolitan Police

  I’m often skeptical about these types of books, they tend to be a bit samey and are rarely relatable to me as a police officer but I really enjoyed this. It is on point and written in a way that you can understand, without losing any legitimacy. Clearly written by someone in the know but with a real interest and passion in helping others. I have actually gone back to a few parts to re read them as it’s really made some things very clear to me.

• Ravina Talbot - Educator

  The decision paradigm is one of those books that you read and nod. Having worked in the public sector I can see evidence of poor decision making. Derek tackles this by offering us the PODS tool which enhances decision making. We make decisions daily and some very important ones in life and work so this book will add to your knowledge library and positive outcomes . I recommend this and look forward to the sequel

• Rob Kinrade - CEO, EXPOL

  When I picked up on the release of this book I was intrigued and keen to read. Derek and myself served in the police service together for a number of years and I know him well. He is well placed to write a book analysing decision making - an accomplished police trainer, Senior Investigating Officer in road policing cases and now a University lecturer. Who better? This is a good read and is relevant to those who lead or are involved in investigations of all levels, to those who may be required to give advice to others or contribute to any decision making procedures . Derek sets out the need for clarity in documenting and recording decisions and highlights the pitfalls of potential litigation in failing to do so. He uses his experience and knowledge base to good effect and he can speak with authority on this subject. In many ways, it has quite an autobiographical feel to it, as it is not just a learning manual. Derek introduces a new approach to decision analysis - ‘Problem Orientated Decision System’ - which encourages the decision maker to consider the problem in detail at the outset, document what was known and when, identify the direction and then record all of these stages accurately. This book will interest those who wish to supplement their skills and their desire to maintain their discretion and integrity. Accountability now, and often years down the line, is crucial as is the accuracy of record keeping. My copy is now marked up with notes to remind me to discuss them with Derek when I next see him! Good value and a very good read

• John Marriott - Academic

  Derek’s book is an excellent contribution about decision-making within the complex situations faced by the police, emergency service partners and the military. I would strongly recommend this book to those about to embark in a career in policing and equally for those working within policing as Derek provides valuable insight and guidance on the decision-making process.

• Steve Bradshaw, Retired Police Officer, Force incident Manager.

  This book is a must buy for anyone joining the Police or wants to understand the complex layering of decision making. Very thought provoking. Great read.

• Chris Pearson, RAF Officer Reservist, Managing Director

  It's now five years since I graduated from RAF Cranwell as a Reservist officer and this book provided a timely and useful reminder of, and an expansion on, some of the principles they taught us to use. A timely reminder to re-evaluate both company and individual Mission Statements, Visions, Values and Ethics. The book offers an easy-to-follow guide to strategy planning (taking time to identify exactly what strategy is and isn't) and risk assessment. The PODS model explanation was new to me but makes great sense and has multiple uses in business life as Derek explains. Allied with models I already use (SMEAC and IIMARCH), he offers a Swiss-knife toolkit of options to help with decision making. A useful book which is well written and provides a great guide if you're new to the idea and a very useful reminder and development tool if you're familiar with some of the concepts.

• Langley Sharp – Author, “The Habit of Excellence"

  A valuable contribution on what it takes to make decisions amid complexity and under pressure. Lessons from the frontline of policing, drawn from hard won experience yet applicable for all leaders. The value for me was the practical application of Derek’s thinking.

• Richard McNee- Chief Commercial Officer

  Fortunately our business doesn’t have many life threatening situations, but we do have to make well thought through decisions as directors of companies, equally important is the process of documenting the decision process. There are many parts of the book that served as a good refresher in the decision making process, but equally there were many models and ideas that were new to me. I recommend the book to anyone who seeks to gain a step by step understanding of not just why they made a decision but also how they arrived at the decision.

• Christopher Sully

  It's now five years since I graduated from RAF Cranwell as a Reservist officer and this book provided a timely and useful reminder of, and an expansion on, some of the principles we were taught to use. Day-to-day life and work pressures can see us inevitably drifting away from some of those principles and Derek's book provides an invaluable guide to re-connect with those principles and develop them to a higher level. A timely reminder to to re-evaluate both company and individual Mission Statements, Visions, Values and Ethics. He offers some easy-to-grasp and notable real-life examples for consideration from the worlds of policing (Hillsborough, JC de Menezez at Stockwell, etc), the military (D-Day, 9/11 and the Red Arrows) and civvy street. The book offers an easy-to-follow guide to strategy planning (taking time to identify exactly what strategy is and isn't) and risk assessment. There are re-caps at the end of the chapters which are a good check of understanding. The PODS model explanation was new to me but makes great sense and has multiple uses in business life as Derek explains. Allied with models I already use (SMEAC and IIMARCH), he offers a Swiss-knife toolkit of options to help with decision making. The section on assessing and reviewing is very useful and gives some good steers on an area which is often neglected. A useful book which is well written and provides a great guide if you're new to the idea and a very useful reminder and development tool if you're familiar with some of the concepts. Chris Sully MD Manx Radio

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