Police officers learn leadership skills in summer programs

16 Jun 2008

Police officers from all over the state will be learning leadership skills this summer at Virginia Tech in two programs sponsored by the Virginia Police Chiefs Foundation and organized by the Pamplin College of Business.

The program, known as the Institute for Leadership in Changing Times, has attracted about 60 police and other public safety professionals from government and campus police departments, sheriff’s offices, and regional jails. They will attend a one-week workshop in two groups, scheduled on June 15-20 and July 13-18. Both groups will return to campus for a follow-up program in September.

"The program does not teach policing skills," said Sharon Scott, associate director of management and professional development. "Our goal is to help participants develop leadership characteristics and communication and problem-analysis skills that will help them improve their decision making and interact more effectively with their co-workers and the public." Pamplin and other faculty will lead classroom seminars and outdoor exercises on topics that include leadership and followership, team building, change management, problem-solving, decision-making, emotional intelligence, and the multigenerational workplace.

Departments Represented, Institute for Leadership in Changing Times
Group 1: June 15-20 and Sept. 16-18