Executive Leadership Certification Program

The California Police Chiefs Association is excited to offer an exclusive Executive Leadership Certification for all policing executives, regardless of CPCA membership status. Previously known as the Executive Development Certificate Program, the Executive Leadership Certification Program (ELCP) is industry hallmark in premiere executive training. The program features a trio of top-notch contemporary courses that will help shape your executive future and provide you with important tools to successfully steward your organization.  

This three-course series is well-suited for police executives of any tenure, including newly appointed chiefs, executives who aspire to become the head of a policing agency, and tenured police chiefs and executives who want to achieve or continue success in policing governance.  It is also a fit for management-level police leaders who want to learn ways to better support their chief executive.

By completing all three courses of the program within three years, you will earn one of the policing industry’s most prestigious executive certifications —issued by California Police Chiefs Association. 

Certificate Request Form Certificate Requirements

What will our program do for you?

DEVELOP LEADERSHIP SKILLS

The curriculum taught in the ELCP is developed and delivered by top notch instructors who have been in your shoes and have succeeded as leaders in the policing industry. The three courses of the program speak to different aspects of leadership and are meant to prepare you for the critical topics that policing executives face today.

NETWORK WITH INDUSTRY LEADER

When you attend an ELCP course, you not only learn from the best, but you learn with the best. Attending courses with other current and aspiring law enforcement leaders provides the unique chance to get insight from people who understand your unique role, generate and test new ideas, and expand your professional network.

EXPAND YOUR SKILLSET

Whether you are already a current or aspiring executive leader, each ELCP course offers the opportunity to expand your professional skillset. You’ll have the opportunity to hone in on your soft skills such as managing relationships with unions and city managers, and building a healthy working environment, and you’ll also learn and discuss more logistical skills — such as building a strategic plan, vetting and building your team, communicating during crises, navigating controversy, developing innovative 21st century policing initiatives, and expanding your knowledge about contemporary legal issues.

PREPARE FOR YOUR FUTURE

Whether you are a new or aspiring police executive in a municipal environment, a county agency, a special district, or in an educational institution, the ELCP will help prepare you for your future in policing industry. From learning how to vet job positions, to how to handle crisis as a chief, you will walk away from each session with a better idea of how to achieve and succeed in your present position and future goals. Obtaining this certificate will enhance your candidacy for any executive leadership position, demonstrating your commitment to continuous learning and showcasing your dedication to staying updated and current in your field.

Certificate Requirements

To receive your Executive Leadership Certificate, you must complete the following courses within a 3 year window. You may take them in any order; however, it is recommended to take them in the order listed below. Once you complete the courses, you must apply for your certificate — it will not be automatically awarded.

  1. Foundations of Executive Leadership in Policing (FELP)
  2. Critical Considerations for the Police Executive (CCPE)
  3. Effective Stewardship in Policing* (ESP) OR: 
  4. 2024-2025 Only: You may elect to take Strategic and Succession Planning (SSP) in place of Effective Stewardship in Policing to complete your Executive Leadership Certification. **

For full course descriptions, please visit our Professional Development Catalog. To register, please visit our Event Calendar to view this year's offerings.

*Some instruction blocks taught in FELP and CCPE have been moved to ESP. If you took FELP or CCPE prior to Fall 2024, you may see some repeated content when attending ESP.

**Prior to this year, Strategic & Succession Planning (SSP) was one of the courses required to obtain your certificate. This year, we have added a multi-day course, Executive Stewardship in Policing, that has taken its place in the program. We are still offering Strategic & Succession Planning as a stand-alone course, outside of the certificate program. For 2024-2025 only, we are allowing you to choose between taking ESP or SSP to complete your certification.

Applying for Your Certificate

Recipients of the Executive Leadership Certificate must complete all required courses within a 3 year period. Once you have completed all three of the required courses to receive the certification, please complete the form below to formally request your certificate.

We will review, generate, and mail out your certificate within 5 business days of receiving your request.