Curriculum

The National Criminal Justice Command College provides challenging instruction and professional development for mid- to upper-level law enforcement supervisors in state, county, and municipal units, as well as executives in corrections and corporate or private security.  The curriculum addresses issues relevant to a changing political, social, economic, and technological world. 

Instructors, selected from University of Virginia faculty, senior criminal justice officials, as well as leading experts from around the country, cover a broad range of topics throughout the 10-week program.  Topics
include:

Leadership

Leadership is the overall influence that can assure the success of any department or organization.  Various aspects of leadership critical to the criminal justice culture are addressed, including strategic change, conflict management, ethics, situational leadership, power and decision making, as well as problem solving.

 
Management

While leadership focuses on vision and values, management focuses on the efficient utilization of organizational resources.  This is accomplished through planning, controlling, and organizing.  Coursework addresses management techniques such as human resources, performance appraisals, discipline, Generation X and Y, budget and finance, and management effectiveness.

Forensic Science

Today’s forensic science is a high technology field using advanced techniques to analyze and research evidence.  Within the broad area of forensic science, coursework examines numerous sub-specialties such as environmental science, psychiatry, medical-legal evidence, and other various fields to assist in the investigation of a crime.

Collaboration & Negotiation

To solve today’s complex problems requires the ability to cut across agency and professional boundaries and work collaboratively.  Coursework provides a framework for supervisors and executives to develop collaborative relationships and strategies for proven success.  Participants explore the interpersonal and organizational forces, both internal and external, which often inhibit collaboration, and learn about the tools to combat those forces. 

Legal Issues & the Law

Coursework offers the opportunity to learn more about civil and criminal liability, the courts, constitutional law, and the First Amendment as they directly relate to criminal justice leaders.