From Law Enforcement Leader to Passionate Student
After 22 years in law enforcement, Captain Joseph Lankford found himself at a professional crossroads. His decision to pursue the University of Virginia's Master of Public Safety program helped facilitate what he calls "the addictive nature of learning."
"To turn that switch on again in my brain, to open it up to new ideas, to be open to new concepts... it's so easy to get into an echo chamber, no matter what business you're in," Captain Lankford explained. Studying at the University of Virginia, then, has proven revelatory for him.
Building on Experience: A New Educational Path
Captain Lankford came to the Master of Public Safety program from a different kind of pedagogical background. With his pre-med background and biology degree, he had never received formal education in police work or criminal justice before entering the program. Following his time at the FBI National Academy, where he had the opportunity to “lear[n] together” with “200 other police professionals from all over the world,” Captain Lankford seized an opportunity that seemed almost fated.
As it happened, the FBI National Academy experience gave Captain Lankford credits toward the Master of Public Safety degree, "I figured I could pay that off in five years with the initial investment," he recalled about his decision to continue at UVA. Then came unexpected news: "I got an email to compete for the fellowship scholarship, the community public service fellowship... and I was awarded it."
Embracing the Challenge of Continuous Growth
This financial support cemented his commitment to the program, which he approaches with remarkable enthusiasm despite balancing his family life and a demanding career. "It's hard," Captain Lankford admitted candidly, "but nothing that is worth it is easy. It's important for people to remember that this is a challenge, and it's supposed to be a challenge."
The program's structure particularly appealed to Lankford. "The professors they've chosen for teaching in this program with the Masters of Public Safety, they're relevant. They're already doing the job. They're in the business and they're subject matter experts," he noted.
Bridging Divides Through Education
Beyond academics, the program has expanded Captain Lankford’s perspective on community engagement. In one powerful exercise called the "One Small Step Initiative," Lankford interviewed a local political leader with opposing viewpoints. "The two of us sat in the room and realized we had more in common than we had differences. It was really quite striking," he shared.
This broader perspective gave Captain Lankford a more nuanced attitude towards law enforcement leadership. "It makes you that well-rounded police executive to be able to be an effective leader in all dimensions of what we do," he explained.
Advice for Aspiring Public Safety Leaders
For those considering similar educational paths, Captain Lankford gave some straightforward advice about the Master of Public Safety program: "Absolutely do it. You can never learn too much about our business and learn too much about the community's perspective about our business. Because it's only going to help you."
As he nears completion of his degree, Lankford's commitment to lifelong learning remains steadfast. "I might be really sad about that," he admitted when talking about finishing the program, "because I've thoroughly enjoyed the learning environment that they created for us."