The University's newest professional program -- the National Criminal Justice Command College -- began its first week of classes Monday. The annual 10-week course, sponsored by the School of Continuing and Professional Studies and the Virginia State Police, is similar to "major measure schools" around the country.
Major measure schools are programs specifically designed for educating law enforcement personnel in the areas of leadership, collaboration and negotiation from a theoretical standpoint.
"Police academies are geared more toward training, the nuts and bolts of practical application," said Jeff Fox, Assistant Training Officer for the Virginia State Police. The Command College "is geared not so much toward training as it is toward education -- the philosophy, the theories. This is more conceptual in nature."
The new Command College is designed for mid-to-higher-level criminal justice officers, which includes first sergeants or higher in the Virginia State Police and members of other agencies who are or at least sergeants, Fox said. This year, 29 students are attending the program.
Although the class may seem small, the size is perfect considering the intensiveness and structure of the course, according to Cindy Orshek, Director of the National Criminal Justice Command Center and the University Center for Executive Development.
The class size is "exactly what the target was," Orshek said. "For such an interactive program, you don't want a huge number. Thirty to 40 is just right."
The majority of classes will be held on the campus of the State Police Academy in Richmond, but some of the later ones will occur on Grounds, Orshek said. Upon completion of the program, students will receive 15 credits toward an undergraduate or graduate degree.
Whereas most major measure schools focus only on police officers, the Command College accepts people from all areas of the criminal justice system, including the court and corrections systems. In addition, personnel involved in private-sector law enforcement and security can attend the program, something new to major measure schools.
The idea for a major measure school in Virginia originated two years ago when the Virginia State Police approached the University about starting a partnered program.
"There's about four other major measurement schools that we've used for the past 25 to 30 years or longer," Fox said. "They're all good, but we wanted to create our own."
Read More
U.Va. loses over $60 million in federal research cuts
By Bertie Azqueta | 2 days agoThe impacted grants include three from the NIH, seven from the NEH, one from the United States Agency for International Development and four from the State Department.
Department of Education reverses course, awards Federal Executive Institute to U.Va.
By Ford McCracken | 5 days agoThe ED had previously awarded the institute to Charlottesville City Schools.
Students reflect on the life and legacy of Pope Francis
By Bertie Azqueta | 5 days agoAt the University, students shared a range of perspectives on his legacy of reform, inclusivity and his impact on the global Catholic community.
