Career Development

Law Enforcement Core Leadership 16-hour Inservice Training for 2024 – Success

Back for additional classes in early 2024, what was described as one of the best classes for law enforcement leaders of 2023 and again in 2024!

Presented in a collaboration between the University of Charleston School of Leadership, the West Virginia Sheriffs’ Association, and Mountain State ESC-PST, this two-day LEPS approved law enforcement training equips participants with essential skills and knowledge to be a better leader in your organization and for effective community service and protection. Topics include leadership principles, team dynamics, ethics, decision making, empowerment, emotional intelligence, crisis management, conflict resolution, self-care, problem solving, evaluation, coaching and diversity. These are competencies that prepare participants to handle any situation with confidence.

These classes will be held throughout West Virginia as scheduled and available. They are open to all law enforcement officers in any organization, classes are limited in size and have received WV LEPS Inservice approval for 16-hours credit.

You can download the flyer with registration information as future classes may become available.

25-Week Criminal Justice Leadership Certificate Program Underway

The West Virginia Sheriffs’ Association entered into another collaborative effort with the University of Charleston, offering another exciting opportunity for law enforcement officers interested in advancing their careers and continuing their professional education.  This career 25-week development opportunity provides law enforcement officers 25 hours of annual LEPS awarded in-service credits for law enforcement training, along with a potential of 15-credit hours of credits toward obtaining Bachelor of Science degrees. The two available degrees are a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Leadership or in Organizational Leadership outlined below.  Entering 2025, the program proudly holds over 300 professionals from the law enforcement community for the final two sessions. Program completion culminates with a graduation at the University of Charleston on March 15, 2025.

College Degree for Law Enforcement Opportunity

The West Virginia Sheriffs’ Association has entered into a collaborative effort with the University of Charleston, in Charleston, WV to offer an exciting opportunity for law enforcement officers interested in advancing their careers and continuing their education.  This career development opportunity provides law enforcement officers transfer credit awarded for law enforcement training, rank, duty assignments, military training, along with previous education and experience toward obtaining Bachelor of Science degrees. The two available degrees are a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Leadership or in Organizational Leadership.

Classes are always within your reach, wherever you are. Utilizing a virtual classroom, classes are always available. A 7-week course structure accelerates completion while minimizing the number of simultaneous courses.

Background: The University of Charleston (UCWV) has a solid foundation in leadership studies. The UCWV School of Leadership is widely known for its Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Leadership, Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership, a Master of Science in Strategic Leadership and Doctorate in Executive Leadership.  UCWV has established itself as a leader in leadership education training.  These long-standing training programs cater to the special operations community and many members of the US Armed Forces from around the globe are engaged in leadership studies at UCWV.  UCWV is partnering with the WVSA and law enforcement statewide to offer real leadership studies to WV law enforcement at a reduced rate, lower than many institutions starting up a leadership program.

You can see the breakdown of how the equivalency credits program may work in the flyer attached below.  You can download a copy from the link shown as well.

Mention that you saw the information on this WV Sheriffs’ website to receive:

  • An credit evaluation at no cost,

  • A waiver of application fees,

  • A law enforcement scholarship of 35% off tuition class costs, and

  • Up to 90 credits toward your Bachelor of Science degree at NO COST TO YOU.

The WVSA is proud to partner with UCWV to bring law enforcement in West Virginia this great opportunity to advance you in your field and prepare you for your future! If interested, contact WVSA Executive Director Rodney Miller for more information at wvsheriffs@gmail.com.

You can download the flyer by clicking on this link:  Criminal Justice Leadership 

You can download the flyer by clicking on this link:  ORGL Law Enforcement Flyer2