The International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) continues to lead the way in developing law enforcement leaders through its Leadership in Police Organizations (LPO) training program. Recognizing the need for greater accessibility and efficiency, the IACP has recently updated the LPO program, transitioning from a three-week format to a more intensive and focused two-week course.

This streamlined structure maintains the program’s depth and rigor while making it more adaptable to the demanding schedules of policing professionals. The LPO curriculum is designed to develop leadership at every level of a police organization, emphasizing the ability to lead individuals, teams, and entire agencies. The course equips participants with practical strategies to enhance motivation, job satisfaction, and organizational performance.

Why Leadership Training Matters

Experience alone doesn’t make a great leader—reflection and structured learning do. Without them, poor habits can become entrenched and passed down. In an era where the profession faces unprecedented challenges, the IACP is redefining leadership development with a bold new approach to its flagship LPO program. It equips leaders at all levels with essential skills in ethical decision-making, communication, team dynamics, and organizational change—skills that are critical for building trust, fostering accountability, and strengthening community relationships.

While experience is often seen as the best teacher, it only becomes truly valuable when it is evaluated. Without reflection and a structured framework, experience can reinforce poor habits. A leader who consistently repeats the same mistakes does not just gain experience; they accumulate bad experience, which can be unintentionally passed down to future leaders. That is why leadership matters. That is why programs like LPO are so vital. The program provides a clear, research-based framework for understanding what effective leadership looks like—and why it works.

A Smarter, More Flexible Approach

Recognizing the operational demands on agencies, the IACP has redesigned the flagship three-week LPO course into a streamlined two-week format without compromising the program’s depth, quality, and impact. This new model offers several key advantages:

1. 1. 1. Minimized Time Away: Agencies can now send personnel to complete the full course in just two weeks (one week during two consecutive months), minimizing staffing disruptions and overtime costs.
      2. Enhanced Learning Efficiency: The updated format integrates blended learning techniques, including pre-course assignments and post-course resources, allowing participants to engage with the material before and after the in-person sessions.
      3. High-Quality Content: Despite the shorter duration, the course still delivers the full spectrum of leadership topics—from individual motivation and group dynamics to organizational culture and ethical leadership—through interactive lectures, case studies, and team-based exercises.
      4. Networking/Cross-Agency Collaboration: Engaging with others from multiple agencies significantly enhances the learning environment and brings a wide range of perspectives, experiences, and insights to the classroom, fostering deeper discussions and more meaningful connections.

A Proven Model for Leadership Development

The flagship program stands as a widely recognized model for developing effective law enforcement leaders. With thousands of professionals trained across the United States and beyond, LPO has earned a reputation for combining academic rigor with real-world relevance. Its curriculum is grounded in behavioral science and leadership theory, yet it remains highly practical and applicable to the day-to-day challenges faced by policing personnel. Many states have formally accredited the program through their Peace Officer Standards and Training boards, and several agencies have partnered with local colleges and universities to offer academic credit for course completion. This recognition underscores the program’s credibility and its alignment with both professional and educational standards. Participants consistently report significant personal and professional growth because of their LPO experience. Common outcomes include increased confidence, enhanced communication skills, and a deeper understanding of leadership principles. These benefits extend well beyond the classroom—positively influencing team dynamics, organizational culture, and community engagement. LPO doesn’t just develop better leaders; it helps build stronger, more resilient agencies.

Looking Ahead

As the IACP continues to innovate its leadership development offerings, the new two-week LPO format represents a forward-thinking solution that balances the operational demands faced by agencies with the need for impactful, high-quality training. By investing in leadership at every level, agencies can build stronger teams, improve public trust, and navigate the challenges of modern policing with integrity and resilience.d

Please cite as:

Danielle Manigault, “Leadership That Works,” IACP@Work, Police Chief 92, no. 12 (December 2025): 70–71.