Frontline resource · Training and development

Public safety training and leadership development resources

Leadership development is one of the most effective long-term retention investments an agency can make. This guide points to established national and state resources. Frontline does not provide certification or tactical training; this page is meant to help you find programs that fit your agency.

Last reviewed · 3 min read · Frontline for Public Safety

Law enforcement leadership

  • FBI-LEEDA: supervisor, command and executive leadership series
  • IACP: leadership courses and professional development resources
  • State POST commissions: supervisory and management courses, often low or no cost
  • Regional command colleges and university executive programs

Fire service leadership

  • National Fire Academy (U.S. Fire Administration): on-campus and online courses, including the Managing Officer and Executive Fire Officer programs
  • IAFC: leadership programs and resources for chief officers
  • State fire training agencies: fire officer certification courses

Choosing the right program

  • Match the program to the role: new supervisor, mid-level manager or executive
  • Check state certification or continuing-education credit
  • Budget for backfill so training doesn't create more overtime
  • Build in follow-up: mentoring and a project applied to your agency

Leadership needs feedback

Training builds skills; feedback shows whether they're landing. Frontline Pulse gives leaders a regular read on how their people are doing so they can apply what they've learned where it matters.

Sources and further reading

Frontline for Public Safety

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