Subsequent to implementation of the Strategic Plan objective, numerous meetings of subject matter experts (SMEs) were convened and newly promoted supervisors were surveyed. The focus throughout the review process was ensuring an outcome in which students would be able to fully understand concepts taught and confidently apply them in the workplace. 

Analysis revealed that updating was needed. Primary areas identified for updating included leadership and a series of video vignettes that depicted a fictitious team of personnel the new sergeant/supervisor would be expected to supervise. Within the context of leadership, it was recommended that greater depth of knowledge of the situational leadership model be provided. This would enhance problem solving and skill for motivating a diverse workforce. With regard to the series of videos, the SMEs proposed that the issues portrayed be universal and contemporary, and also be able to remain current for a minimum of four to five years. 

Pursuant to the recommendations of SMEs and newly appointed supervisors, the Supervisory Course has been extensively updated. The updated course remains centered on a series of video vignettes depicting a fictitious team of officers the new sergeant/supervisor will encounter. The new vignettes focus on leadership development, including contemporary issues such as social media, painkiller addiction, impact of shrinking budgets, rapid technological advances, and diversity in the work force. Individual profiles have been rewritten for each member comprising the supervisor’s fictitious team, replicating what a sergeant’s desk files might currently contain. 

Course PowerPoints, handouts, group exercises, and individual assignments have been revised, along with the Supervisory Course Instructor’s Guide. Instructional domains have been enhanced with contemporary commercial video clips, specifically designed to complement instructor facilitation with visual examples of the leadership strategy being presented. Situational Leadership II® concepts, which provide a more accurate representation of the manner in which the majority of individuals and teams progress and develop in today’s workforce, have been interwoven throughout the course. To maximize understanding of the situational leadership model, all course facilitators have been required to attend intensive, tailored-for-law-enforcement training sessions on Situational Leadership II®.    

The revised course has been piloted and favorably reviewed by students and SMEs. The Commission approved the revised course content at its February 2012 meeting. Numerous workshops have been conducted to familiarize the cadre of Supervisory Course facilitators with the updated curriculum and materials.