Course detail: Frontline Supervision Certificate

Attention law enforcement frontline supervisory personnel and aspiring leaders! 

The CPSL certificate program is focused on empowering small and rural law enforcement leaders and aspiring leaders to be self-sufficient in their roles. We understand the unique challenges faced by these leaders and have tailored our program to address them effectively. Our training equips supervisors with the necessary skills and knowledge to make a significant impact in their communities. 

At the Center for Public Safety Leadership, we believe that leadership is the key to creating positive change in law enforcement agencies. Our program not only provides practical leadership strategies but also fosters a deep understanding of the importance of community engagement and collaboration. We believe that by empowering law enforcement leaders and aspiring leaders with the right tools and mindset, we can build safer and stronger communities together. 

Don't miss out on this opportunity to enhance your leadership skills and make a real difference in your community. through our universal, high-quality leadership training program for frontline supervisors and aspiring leaders in law enforcement. Let us help you become the best leader you can be.

This is our most flexible certificate and we are offering the following courses over a 3 month period.  Additional information can be found in the course syllabus, Click Here.

Session 1 January - March all in-person meetings will take place in Hutchinson, KS
Session 2 April - June all in-person meetings will take place in Dodge City, KS
Session 3 July - September all in-person meetings will take place in Hutchinson, KS
Session 4 October - December all in-person meetings will take place in Hays, KS

You don't have to travel if you are out-of-state. Call Mary Ellen Kirkbride at 620-694-1411 to make arrangements for virtual attendance.

21st Century Leader: An Introduction to Law Enforcement Leadership (Asynchronous)
In "The 21st Century Leader: An Introduction to Law Enforcement Leadership," participants will embark on a journey to discover the essential skills and knowledge needed to become effective leaders in the field of law enforcement. Through a variety of objectives, including learning different leadership and communication styles, participants will gain the ability to adapt their approaches to accommodate any circumstance. By understanding the various frameworks and styles of leadership, participants will be equipped to identify and summarize their own leadership and communication styles. Additionally, participants will delve into conflict resolution techniques, learning how to effectively de-escalate challenging situations. This comprehensive guide will empower aspiring law enforcement leaders to navigate the complex demands of their roles with wisdom and adaptability. 

Conflict Resolution (In-person)
Conflict resolution is a critical skill for any law enforcement officer, as it plays a central role in their daily work. In this course, we will delve into the science behind conflict and different strategies for resolving it. We will also explore the influence of generational differences and upbringing on conflict resolution. Participants will gain valuable insights into conflict resolution in both their personal and professional lives and learn new tools and techniques to defuse difficult situations and build trust. Throughout the course, participants will develop core competencies such as emotional intelligence, effective communication, and leadership skills. Our objectives include developing active listening skills, building trust during conflicts, and understanding the dynamics of conflict in various relationships. Join us on this journey to enhance your conflict resolution skills and become a more intentional and effective law enforcement professional. 

Supervisory Aspects of Law Enforcement (In-person)

Thiscourse is designed for frontline supervisors seeking to enhance theirleadership capabilities while understanding the critical responsibilities andlegal liabilities that come with the role. Participants will gain acomprehensive understanding of the essential impact they have on the welfare oftheir agency, their subordinates, and the public.


Thecourse covers the legal framework and risks associated with supervisory roles,including employee rights, policies, and procedures that guide organizationalexpectations. Participants will examine key supervisory behaviors thatinfluence employee welfare and agency liability, and analyze how specificactions can either reduce or increase risks.


Through case studies and discussions, the coursedelves into specific areas of supervisor liability such as failure todiscipline, supervise, train, or intervene, and addresses other issues ofnegligence like negligent assignment and negligent entrustment. Participantswill leave equipped with strategies to prevent liability and foster a legallycompliant and effective supervisory environment.


Employee Evaluations  (Asynchronous)
This course provides an in-depth understanding of the importance of employee evaluations. Students will learn how evaluations contribute to performance assessment, accountability, professional development, recognition and rewards, decision-making, and agency effectiveness. Students will develop the skills and knowledge necessary to conduct effective evaluations, provide constructive feedback, and make informed personnel decisions. This course is essential for current and aspiring law enforcement professionals who want to enhance their leadership and management skills and contribute to the success of their agencies. 

Emotional Intelligence (ZOOM)
Emotional intelligence is a crucial skill in today's world, especially for those in law enforcement. Not only does it help individuals have a better understanding of themselves, but it also plays a vital role in their ability to control emotions and make sound decisions. Without emotional intelligence, officers may struggle to navigate controversial situations and may experience long-term negative effects on their mental and physical health. In this course, we will explore the five components of emotional intelligence and learn how to build and utilize EQ to enhance relationships and succeed as law enforcement officers. By understanding emotions, interpreting others' emotions, and recognizing their impact on us, we will gain the necessary tools to interact effectively with others and support our overall wellness and resilience in this demanding profession. 

Ethics (ZOOM)
Ethics play a crucial role in the field of law enforcement, as they guide the decision-making process and actions of officers. Understanding the concept of ethics and its importance is essential for law enforcement professionals. In this course, we will explore the differences between ethics, integrity, and the law, as well as the challenges and dilemmas that officers may face when trying to make ethical decisions. We will delve into various ethical dilemmas and the competing aspects within them, such as truth versus loyalty, justice versus mercy, and short-term versus long-term consequences. Through this exploration, we will develop strategies to navigate these dilemmas and make sound decisions that align with personal values and the needs of the community. Additionally, we will discuss the Continuum of Compromise and the potential consequences of compromising ethics. Recognizing the responsibility of supervisors in addressing and preventing ethical violations, we will also focus on developing effective communication skills to foster an environment of accountability and encourage courageous conversations within the organization. By the end of this course, you will have a comprehensive understanding of ethics and the tools necessary to navigate ethical dilemmas in the field of law enforcement. 

Professional Development Portfolios  (Asynchronous)
A PDP is a collection of materials that showcases your professional growth, knowledge, skills, and achievements. It allows you to plan, review, and assess your professional development. In your PDP, you can include items such as resumes, work product summaries, evaluations, and smart goals. Whether in physical or electronic form, a PDP provides a sense of achievement, self-evaluation, and awareness of your professional journey. It also helps with performance reviews and allows you to share your PDP process with others. By developing and maintaining a PDP, you can set goals, enhance your teaching and coaching, and continuously improve yourself. 

Your Role as a Leader (In-person)
Leadership plays a crucial role in various fields, as it is responsible for guiding and inspiring individuals towards achieving common goals. To be an effective leader, it is important to focus on key areas such as team building, community policing, decision making, and problem solving. This comprehensive approach allows leaders to create a workplace culture that promotes diversity, collaboration, and constructive conflict resolution, while also adapting to challenges and maintaining high ethical standards. By applying critical thinking skills and actively listening to new information, leaders can identify, analyze, and solve problems within an organization, ultimately promoting success and driving positive change. 

Don't miss out on this opportunity to enhance your leadership skills and make a real difference in your community. Enroll today!

We are continuing to offer the Frontline Supervision Certificate at the reduced cost of $375 per person due to Congressionally directed funding. (Original cost: $750) This includes meals and lodging when staying on the KLETC Hutchinson campus. 


Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend University of Kansas sponsored events. If you require a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in an event, please email CPSL or call 620.694.1401 at least three weeks before the first day of the event. Some events may require notice earlier than three weeks and require you contact a specific individual; if so, that information is provided in the event-specific information.

Available sessions