Law Enforcement Leadership Training Strategies

Law Enforcement Leadership Training Strategies by William J. O’Neill MS, United States Army War College, 2007 MS, Central Michigan University, 1996 BA, University of Kansas, 1986 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Business Administration Walden University January 2016 Abstract Senior law enforcement leaders are looking for leadership training strategies to develop future law enforcement leaders. The purpose of this single case study was to explore U.S. law enforcement leaders’ training strategies to develop future leaders. The sample was comprised of 18 senior Northern Virginia executive law enforcement leaders who have leadership development strategies currently in use. The conceptual framework forSenior law enforcement leaders are looking for leadership training strategies to develop future law enforcement leaders. The purpose of this single case study was to explore U.S. law enforcement leaders’ training strategies to develop future leaders. The sample was comprised of 18 senior Northern Virginia executive law enforcement leaders who have leadership development strategies currently in use. The conceptual framework for this study was human capital theory. The data collection process included semistructured interviews, a review of training documentation, and direct observation related to leadership development. Based on methodological triangulation of the data sources and analysis of the data, 3 emergent themes were identified. Recruitment, retention, and mentoring surfaced from recruiting officers for managerial leadership positions. Training and technology grew out of the need to optimize training resources and incorporate new training solutions. Strategic partnerships stemmed from the opportunities for partnering and joint training exercises with other law enforcement organizations. Although this was a single case study, the findings of this study have utility for other, similar contexts. Specifically, these findings suggest that including leadership training strategies in training programs may contribute to social change by providing other law enforcement leaders with the training strategies that result in safer communities. Law Enforcement Leadership Training Strategies by William J. O’Neill MS, United States Army War College, 2007 MS, Central Michigan University, 1996 BA, University of Kansas, 1986 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Business Administration Walden University January 2016 Dedication To my wife, who has always been supportive of my commitment to education throughout four graduate programs and this doctoral journey. I thank her for her patience, understanding, and unwavering faith in me as I sacrificed precious time with her to work on my dissertation. To my children, who dealt with their father’s ongoing scholarly distractions with love and patience. Hopefully, the “Reverend Doctor General Ranger Will” provided you with the motivation, inspiration, and strength to persevere through the future challenges on your journeys. I hope that my passion for knowledge inspires each of you to be curious investigators throughout your lives. Acknowledgments I would like to acknowledge Dr. Fusch, Dr. Campbell, and Dr. Savard for their guidance and patience in getting me back on the path and keeping me focused on the “big prize. ” They provided the necessary mentoring to continue the journey to its final objective. I would also like to thank the law enforcement personnel who provided their precious time and insights that made the final project possible. Most importantly, I would like to thank my wife, family, friends, and employer for their support.