The Bill Blackwood Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas
Presents

THE NEW CHIEF DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

Purpose:

The New Chief Development Program (NCDP) originated as a result of House Bill 1881, which mandated training for new first-time chiefs taking office on or after January 1, 1999. The purpose of the NCDP is to provide new Texas police chiefs with timely job-related training and professional education that will assist them in the early stages of their career as police executives.

Issue:

Attempts to fund specialized training for new police executives were not successful until 1997. The few executive training courses offered nationally are rather costly. There was a need for this training in Texas, which sees a sizable number of new chiefs appointed each year. The Texas Police Chiefs Association set forth a legislative initiative that resulted in the passage of HB 1881. Meeting one-half of the training requirement for new chiefs, the NCDP is designed for newly appointed police chiefs (in the first year as chief) and will address the professional development and job-related skills necessary to perform successfully in the role of police chief.

Course Concept:

LEMIT will bring together chiefs in their first year on the job for two intensive training sessions.

Part I will be a 40-hour session in Huntsville devoted to general professional development for new chiefs heading all kinds of police agencies. This training will be designed (and is mandated) for those individuals who have moved into the chief's job for the very first time. The curriculum for the NCDP was developed following a survey of police chiefs, another survey of new police chiefs, regional focus groups, and two pilot courses.

Part II will be a 40-hour session provided regionally in a two-year cycle through the LEMIT Texas Police Chief Leadership Series. Attendance at Part II follows completion of Part I. Completion of both 40-hour courses will enable the chief to satisfy the 80 hours of new chief training mandated by HB 1881.

Desired Outcome:

New police chiefs in Texas departments now have an excellent opportunity to receive quality executive training tailored to their needs, early in their new positions, at no cost. Quality training, delivered in a timely fashion, should enable these chiefs to avoid pitfalls, perform more effectively and comfortably, and be better managers of departmental resources.

Administrative Information

Initial Enrollment:

If you are a new chief who has not yet contacted LEMIT, please print a copy of the new chief data sheet, complete it, and fax it to LEMIT, attn: Regina Ernst (936)294-3926. This will allow LEMIT to ensure that you receive an invitation to the next available New Chief Development Program.

Selection:

Letters of invitation are sent to all new first-time chiefs (appointed after 1/1/99) in Texas, approximately 45 days prior to the start of a Part I course. All first-time chiefs will be automatically accepted. Other new chiefs wishing to attend will be accepted in the order enrollments are received until the course is filled. Participants are confirmed by letter. Please do not attend without confirmation.

Expenses:

There is no cost to participants who attend the course. LEMIT will reimburse participants (not government entities) for personal car mileage and meals, and will pay for breaks and a single room in the University Hotel (for participants over 30 miles from Huntsville). Reimbursement of expenses may take up to 30 days. You should bring some money for meals. Participants who drive from the same area are encouraged to ride together. Participants from agencies in excess of 250 miles from Huntsville (based on the most direct route) may elect to fly into Houston's Bush Intercontinental Airport and be reimbursed for the lowest available coach airfare and transportation to and from the airport(s). Please call with your airfare rate before making final commitments. Documentation of travel expenses is required for reimbursement. Specific questions about travel reimbursement may be directed to Diana Taylor at (936) 294-3851.

Schedule:

Participants should plan to arrive at the University Hotel by Sunday evening. In-processing for the course will commence at 8:00 a.m. Monday. The course concludes Friday by no later than 3:15 p.m.

Accommodations:

A single-occupancy room will be reserved for you at our expense. A reminder letter including a map and hotel information will be sent to you 30 days prior to the event. Participants accompanied by a spouse will be responsible for paying the difference in room rate.

Travel:

Huntsville is located 68 miles north of Houston on I-45. The Blackwood LEMIT Building is located on the campus of Sam Houston State University at 1600 Avenue H at 16th Street, Huntsville, Texas. Parking is free in the adjoining parking lot. Allow up to two hours ground travel time from Houston Intercontinental Airport. Please do not schedule flights that will cause you to miss more than 30 minutes of the course.

Deadline:

Applications will be accepted until the course is filled. Enrollment is limited to first-time new chiefs. "No-shows" who fail to formally cancel may have difficulty being accepted for future LEMIT programs. Complete a registration form which may be found on-line and mail it to: The Bill Blackwood Law Enforcement Management Institute, Attn.: New Chief Development Program, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, TX 77341-2417 or fax it to (936)294-4893.

Credit:

Participants who complete this special program will be submitted for TCLEOSE credit equivalent to 40 hours.

Firearms:

Are not required for this course and should not be publicly displayed in the building.

Dress:

Casual office attire is acceptable. Clothing should be modest and professional. No caps or shorts please. The Criminal Justice Center is a tobacco-free building.

Part II-TPCLS:

At the conclusion of Part I, participants will be given information to allow them to plan their enrollment in the second 40-hour session, on a date and at a location convenient to them.

For Additional Information: Contact To Be Named, Program Coordinator, LEMIT (936) 294-3852.