New Chief Development Program (NCDP)

The New Chief Development Program (NCDP) provides essential professional development for first-time police chiefs leading agencies of all types and sizes. Administered exclusively by LEMIT, it is the only program approved by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) to meet the statutory training requirements for new police chiefs under The Education Code, Section 96.641. The program equips participants with the leadership tools and administrative insight necessary to succeed as modern law enforcement executives. Topics include managing property and evidence rooms, developing and overseeing budgets, reducing liability through sound employee relations, and understanding TCOLE’s roles and responsibilities. Chiefs also learn to address race-related issues within their agencies, navigate political challenges, build cohesive teams, and craft effective policies and procedures—fostering confident, ethical, and capable leadership.

Topics Covered / Course Objectives

  • Explore race-related issues affecting law enforcement agencies
  • Manage property and evidence rooms
  • Reduce liability and create credibility through good employee relations
  • Survive politics on the job and build teams for success
  • Develop and manage budget
  • Review the roles and responsibilities of the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement
  • Develop effective policies and procedures

Who Should Attend / Admission Requirements

  • A Police Chief that is head of a municipal police department, an ISD police department, or a police department of a public or private institution of higher education is mandated to attend.
  • Newly appointed Chiefs of Police should attend the New Chief Development Program prior to attending the Texas Police Chief Leadership Series.
  • While not mandated, an administrator of a state agency that is not an institution of higher education, county agency, water district, city marshals' office, or any other type of law enforcement agency not listed above may be eligible to attend based on a case by case basis for a registration fee of $295.

Course Length

New Chief Development Program (NCDP) is a five-day course.

Course Hours

Participants receive 40 hours of TCOLE (3780) credit.

Course Cost / Fee Policy

New Chief Development Program (NCDP) is provided to Chiefs statewide at no cost. Thanks to a partner-led initiative made possible with help from the Texas Police Chief Association. LEMIT was granted legislative funding allowing us to remove registration fees and hotel accommodation cost to the participant. Lunch will be provided Monday through Thursday.

*Retired Chiefs and/or City Managers will pay a fee of $495 and cover all hotel and travel expenses.

**Any program make up hours will not be covered by LEMIT and will be at the participant's expense.

The following expenses will NOT be covered by LEMIT

  • Mileage
  • Parking
  • Hotel Incidentals
  • Hotel Wifi
  • Room Service
  • Breakfast & Dinner
.

Registration Process

Registration is 100% online. Please visit the Register Online link located on the Upcoming Events table below or the LEMIT Calendar page to register. A confirmation e-mail will be sent to the e-mail address indicated on the form within one week of registration.

Cancellation / No-Show Policy

If your plans change and you need to cancel, please contact us immediately to avoid cancellation or “no show” fees. The department in which you registered under will be billed a $325 fee for failure to cancel 14 days prior to the course start date. It is the responsibility of the participant to cancel reservations made with the host hotel.

Course Contact

Erin Parr, Manager/Coordinator - TPCLS, NCDP
Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas
George J. Beto Criminal Justice Building
Sam Houston State University
Huntsville, TX 77341-2417
Fax: (936) 294-3926
Phone: (936) 294-3237
Phone: 800-477-9248
lemitchiefs@shsu.edu

Upcoming Events

* Additional fees may apply

StatusDateTitleLocationRegistrationFee
OPENMar 16 - 20, 2026New Chief Development Program (NCDP) Huntsville, TX Register Online No Charge
OPENJun 01 - 05, 2026New Chief Development Program (NCDP) Huntsville, TX Register Online No Charge
OPENAug 24 - 28, 2026New Chief Development Program (NCDP) Huntsville, TX Register Online No Charge
OPENOct 12 - 16, 2026New Chief Development Program (NCDP) Huntsville, TXCLOSEDNo Charge
OPENFeb 22 - 26, 2027New Chief Development Program (NCDP) Huntsville, TXCLOSEDNo Charge
OPENMay 03 - 07, 2027New Chief Development Program (NCDP) Huntsville, TXCLOSEDNo Charge
OPENJul 12 - 16, 2027New Chief Development Program (NCDP) Huntsville, TXCLOSEDNo Charge

* Additional fees may apply

Schedule for the Week:
Class begins at 8:00 a.m. and ends at 5:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday; Friday class begins at 8:00 a.m. and ends at 1:00 p.m. The program involves working lunches (lunch is provided).

Dress for the Week:
Business casual is the dress for the week. Clothing should be professional and no caps/hats or shorts are permitted. It is always recommended to bring a light jacket in case the training room is cold. A coat (and tie for the men) is needed for the group photo.

Firearms:
If you choose to wear your duty weapon you may do so in full uniform or in plain clothes with your badge fully displayed. Individuals who are 21 years of age and who currently possess a handgun license from the State of Texas or an approved reciprocating state may legally carry a concealed handgun on or about their person. Handguns may be carried on campus, except at collegiate and UIL athletic events, health and counseling centers, and other specified locations on campus. Signs will clearly identify prohibited sites around campus.

Tobacco Products:
In order to promote a healthy, safe, and aesthetically pleasing work and educational environment, Sam Houston State University endorses a smoke free and tobacco free environment. Tobacco use (including smokeless tobacco) is not permitted on campus grounds. Electronic cigarettes/vaping products are also prohibited.

LEMIT Building and Parking:

The Bill Blackwood Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas is located at 1600 Bobby K. Marks Dr., Huntsville, Texas, at the corner of Bobby K. Marks and Bearkat Boulevard on the campus of Sam Houston State University. It also is located right next door to the University Hotel.

  • ALL vehicles must be registered to park on the SHSU campus. This includes marked agency vehicles.
  • Prior to your class, you will receive information on how to register your vehicle and where to park.
  • For visitors and guests, there are pay-by-hour spaces along Bobby K. Marks Street and Bearkat Boulevard; however, these are managed through the City of Huntsville system and are not part of the University permits. Follow instructions listed on street signs for payment options and be sure to select "Huntsville" when asked to select a location. For more information on the City of Huntsville system, visit Huntsville Paid Parking.
  • Parking is also available for visitors in the Sam Houston Parking Garage, located at 1730 Avenue I, within walking distance to LEMIT. The parking garage contains approximately 250 hourly use parking spaces. Visitors should not park in the parking spaces that are numbered; the numbered spaces are reserved for Garage Permit Holders only. For directions to the SHSU Parking Garage, please click here.