Police Mid-Rank Leadership Development Program

Preparing Newly Promoted Supervisory Officers to Excel and Succeed

A groundbreaking report by American University (AU) in September 2021 unearthed a concerning truth: Mid-rank police training is inconsistent and disjointed, with various government-funded or fee-based private offerings made available on an ad hoc basis. This void leaves well-intentioned but untrained supervisors ill-equipped to lead. In response, American University’s School of Public Affairs partnered with AU’s Key Leadership Institute to pioneer a unique training program exclusively for mid-rank officers.

Mid-rank officers are the glue that connects leaders and patrol officers, creating a shared, agency-wide vision.

Meticulously designed to equip mid-rank officers with the leadership acumen essential for success in their new supervisory roles, the curriculum blends cutting-edge ideas, proven techniques, hands-on exercises, and reflective practices. This knowledge empowers students to apply leadership competencies effectively in the communities they serve.

In-Person Learning

Join us in a dynamic in-person learning environment. With an average class size of fifteen, participants can collaborate closely with their fellow students and directly interact with the course instructors. This comprehensive course meets from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., two days, back-to-back, each month, over five transformative months, offering students a deep dive into leadership development. Dates to be announced.

Invest in Excellence

Help fund the next generation of police leaders. Contact Kara Dao at kara@jdc-events.com to learn more.

Learning Objectives

The courses instill an understanding of evidence-based leadership concepts and then transition participants to an experiential application of what they learn.

American University stone entry sign

National Issues

First, it provides officers with critical information on over-arching national issues.

  • National Policing Climate

  • Violent Domestic Terrorism

  • Ethical Leadership

  • Transparency

  • Public Trust

  • Diversifying the Profession

  • Evolving Scope of Police Services

  • Community Input

  • Evidence-Based Policing

  • Research

Police officers clapping at an Equipped leadership summit

Supervising

Critical supervisory issues that newly promoted officers must understand to succeed in their roles.

  • Embrace new responsibilities.

  • Adjust approach to address upward-rank duties.

  • Manage span of control issues.

  • Mentor junior officers and supervise former peers.

  • Model agency’s mission and steward vision.

  • Communicate effectively between all levels of staff.

  • Establish seamless operational model for sworn and civilian personnel.

Elevate your leadership skills & unlock your potential.

Are you a sergeant? Register your interest in the course and a member of our team will reach out to you.

Subject Matter Experts

With years of operational experience in law enforcement, these instructors bring an unparalleled set of training and leadership skills to the classroom.

  • John R. “Rick” Brown

    Lt. Colonel (Ret.), Pennsylvania State Police

  • Willie Crump

    National Unit Chief for Narcotics and Contraband Smuggling, DHS

  • Mary Gavin

    Chief of Police, Falls Church Police Department

  • Tina P. Laguna

    Assistant Chief of Police, Manassas City Police Department

  • Edwin C. Roessler Jr.

    Chief of Police (Ret.), Fairfax County Police Department