CJA4000X - National University Command College

Course Description

National University’s Command College powered by Advanced Team Leadership Training is a groundbreaking program that unites public safety and private sector leaders to foster collaboration and build lasting relationships. This first-ever combined leadership academy brings together purpose-driven and selfless leaders across multiple sectors who are committed to ensuring safer communities.

This 8-week program is delivered in a hybrid format, blending the flexibility of online education with the invaluable experience and networking opportunities of in-person training. Designed to be accessible in communities nationwide, the National University Command College provides a unique platform for leaders to learn, collaborate, and build stronger, safer communities.

Register today to unlock the future of leadership with our innovative program. Engage with a dynamic panel of police chiefs, private sector leaders, and community leaders. Our hybrid program offers the perfect blend of online and residential learning, delivered right in the communities we serve. Gain essential 21st Century Leadership skills through current, relevant, and timely case studies, and embrace the principles of servant leadership. Plus, benefit from a clear pathway to academic credit at National University, enhancing your personal and professional growth. Join us to build a network of leaders united in purpose and action.

Session #1:

Where: Houston, Texas

When: January 06, 2025 - February 28, 2025, and is jointly hosted by the Tomball and Bellaire Police Departments.

Enrollment Deadline: January 05, 2025

Session #2

Where: Idaho

When: April 21, 2025 - June 13, 2025.

Enrollment Deadline: April 20, 2025

Please note:  If your employer is covering your registration cost, please register using the following link: 

NU Command College 

Key Benefits

• Learn skills and knowledge to excel in advanced leadership training.
• Engage in both in-person and online sessions to learn and collaborate with other community members.
• No prior experience required.
• No textbooks and other materials required for purchase.

Learning Modules Include

• The Four Pillars of Servant Leadership
  • Course Introduction 
  • Leadership Labels and Principles of Servant Leadership
  • Personality Assessment
  • The Four Pillars of Servant Leadership
  • Administrative Leadership
  • Implicit Bias
  • Political Leadership
  • Crowd Dynamics and Civil Unrest
  • Chiefs’ Panel
  • Strategic Leadership
  • Communication Strategies for Leaders
• Crisis Management and Leadership
  • Comprehend the historical approach law enforcement leaders took toward managing crisis.
  • Summarize contemporary crisis events and dynamics surrounding them.
  • Identify and interpret the complexities surrounding police community relationships in the 21st century and how to create a foundation of collaboration and trust as a practice for effectively dealing with crisis.
  • List best practices and approaches to crisis events at multiple levels of leadership.
  • Explain and give examples of what crisis communication is and how to maximize its effectiveness.
  • Discover and chart systems, processes, and strategies to predict trends and mitigate potential crisis.
• Community Engagement In the 21st Century
  • Identify historical perspectives on community engagement strategies and public information dissemination
  • Identify factors and events that impact community trust in law enforcement
  • List multiple 21st Century innovation in the facilitation of community outreach and public information efforts
  • Identify best approaches in the effort to build trust and legitimacy with the community as a leader
  • List principles and importance of community engagement in the public and private sector
  • Understand how to foster a sense of accountability and transparency
  • How to promote active civic participation and cooperation between police and community members to address local concerns
  • How to encourage a collaborative and problem-solving approach among law enforcement officers, community leaders, and residents in making communities safe
• Mental Health and Wellness
  • Outline, weigh, and analyze the history of social programming and law enforcement’s role regarding the treatment of the mentally ill in the United States
  • Compare and contrast current approaches to mental health strategies in the United States and take a critical position on law enforcement’s role
  • Analyze and critique best practices in law enforcement’s approach to the mentally ill and people in crisis
  • Create and structure a comprehensive wellness program for first responders and police employees
  • Understand the importance of self-care and mental well-being for employees, including stress management and coping strategies to reduce the risk of burnout
  • Understand the importance of post-incident debriefing and aftercare for both officers and individuals involved in mental health-related incidents
• Critical Issues in Your Community
  • Identify critical issues facing policing in the 21st century
  • Identify best practices in addressing critical issues facing public safety
  • Identify ways to ensure your organization is prepared to face contemporary issues
  • List critical stakeholder relationships in 21st century policing
  • Summarize historical critical leadership issues in policing and past leadership perspectives.
  • Apply best methods to predict future or emerging issues using strategic thinking, basic forecasting, and networking
  • Study successful case studies and initiatives that have effectively tackled critical community issues
  • Explore the role of technology and digital platforms in raising awareness and mobilizing efforts to address community challenges
  • Foster a sense of empathy, cultural competence, and inclusivity in understanding and addressing critical community issues
• Employment Law and Human Resource Policy
  • Identify laws that affect leadership decision making
  • Understand the fundamental principles of employment law, including the sources and sources of employment law (e.g., legislation, case law, and regulations)
  • Make a distinction between human resource policy and employment law
  • Identify protected classes and court decisions that have indicated current trends in employment law
  • Identify and explain key federal and state employment laws, such as the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
  • Understand the importance of having sound legal advisors that are current on employment law and human resource issues
  • Analyze the legal aspects of employee benefits, such as healthcare, retirement plans, and leave policies
  • Investigate the termination of employment, including the legal requirements for layoffs, wrongful termination, and constructive discharge
  • Explore emerging trends and contemporary issues in employment law, such as the gig economy, remote work, and the impact of technology on the workplace
  • Gain an appreciation for the continuous evolution of HR policies and the need for adaptability in a changing environment
• Integrity and Ethical Use of Power
  • Define Ethical Power and understand the concept of ethical power, distinguishing it from abuse of power and its critical role in various aspects of life.
  • Explore the moral and ethical foundations of power, including principles such as justice, fairness, accountability, and respect for human rights
  • Identify the ethical responsibilities and challenges of leaders in various settings, emphasizing the importance of integrity, transparency, and setting a positive example
  • Discuss the importance of accountability and transparency in decision-making, especially in positions of power, and strategies for implementing these principles
  • Identify various ethical leadership models and real-world examples, learning from both successful and failed leadership experiences
  • Apply ethical decision-making principles to professional contexts, addressing scenarios related to business, politics, healthcare, and other fields
  • Reflect on their personal values and how they align with ethical use of power, fostering self-awareness and commitment to integrity by creating goals and a “true north”
• Wrap Up and Student Presentations
  • Student Presentations
  • Final Project
  • Group Philanthropic Project
  • Graduation Lunch

Course Learning Outcomes

• As leaders in public and private sector continue to face a variety of challenges in the workplace and in their communities, it is essential to recognize best practices to navigate and succeed today and tomorrow while setting their organizations up for long-term, sustainable success.
• For both public and private sector organizations, there is always a crisis looming. The ability to successfully navigate these crises is vital to a company’s survival and to maintaining credibility. Managing crises looks quite different in an era where social media facilitates the instantaneous spread of information (real or not). Learn to embrace this new reality and develop a plan to establish critical relationships ahead of time, engage in the narrative, and lead organizations through crises effectively.
• An organization’s connection with the community has never been more critical. Engagement with the community establishes trust and understanding. Further, in an era of instant communication our communities expect connectivity on all levels. Connecting requires new methods, emerging technology, and current vernacular. Leaders need to understand this challenging environment to make genuine, lasting relationships with their constituents.
• Issues surrounding mental health can create challenges for today’s leaders. It is important to recognize and understand the complexities around those suffering from psychiatric disabilities, psychiatric illnesses, or emotional disorders. As community leaders, it is to understand how public safety professionals navigate this population and work collaboratively to identify and implement best practices. Further, progressive leaders have begun to embrace wellness when it comes to their workforce – placing an emphasis on keeping employees healthy by helping them deal with trauma, mitigate stress, and embrace wellness. Learn how to implement comprehensive wellness programs, which are key in maintaining a highly productive organization.
• The dynamics of the issues facing communities have changed considerably over the past decade. And while there are overriding themes that apply nationally, many  issues are unique to each city, region, or area. Exploring current challenges and adopting a solution-oriented mindset is important to effective leadership. Yesterday’s blueprint is already outdated, and leaders must create a culture where employees are quick to adapt. Learn how to approach issues strategically and employ best practices to face emerging issues effectively.
• Leaders need to have a good understanding of the laws and policy regarding employment and employees. The new workforce is deeply knowledgeable in this area, and so must be leaders and managers.  Learn to make decisions within the law and create an atmosphere of fairness and equity. Anything less results is an enormous expense to an organization and results in low morale and a loss of confidence in the leadership team.
• Most leaders have witnessed ethical catastrophes, power being used as a weapon, and managers who practice a “what’s in it for me” mentality. Not only does this erode public and employee trust, but it also sets organizations up for failure. 21st Century leadership demands a moral and ethical compass. Today’s leaders must embrace values and create a culture of high ethical standards and integrity. This starts at the top and weaves through the organization. It demands effective hiring, comprehensive training, and 360-degree accountability. Failures in this area can have disastrous consequences, where success can bring remarkable strength and resilience to an organization.

Requirements to Enroll

All learners are eligible to enroll in CJA4000X - National University Command College. There are no admissions requirements. It is recommended that learners hold a leadership position in a public or private organization sector.

Estimated Time to Completion

188 Contact Hours

Access Time

Learners will have access to their course learning modules for up to 6 months from the date of their enrollment.

Certificate of Completion

Learners will be awarded an official National University Workforce Community Education Professional and Continuing Education Certificate of Completion after completion of all units and attendance of in-person sessions.