| 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 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. |
