Leadership in Police Organizations (LPO)
Leadership in Police Organizations (LPO) is the IACP’s flagship leadership development training program. LPO is modeled after the training concept of dispersed leadership (“every officer a leader”) and delivers modern behavioral science concepts and theories uniquely tailored to the law enforcement environment.
Course Overview
The two-week LPO course explores leadership at different levels in the organization: leading individuals, leading groups, and leading organizations. The course teaches students about these levels of leadership using the following methods:
- Applied learning: The course is highly interactive, using small group case studies, videos, role-playing, and class exercises to reinforce learning.
- Translation of theory to practice: Participants learn behavioral science theories with real-world application to better understand how to lead change in individuals, groups, and organizations.
- Practical leadership strategies: Participants learn strategies for influencing human behavior to increase motivation, satisfaction, and performance throughout an organization.
Course Goals
At the end of the course, students should be able to:
- Understand and apply modern behavioral science and leadership theories that affect human motivation, satisfaction, and performance in the achievement of organizational goals
- Learn frameworks to translate knowledge and experience into effective leader actions
- Integrate course content into daily leadership practices
- Inspire a lifelong commitment to the study and practice of effective leadership
Attend an LPO Course
Henrico, Virginia (co-hosted with Henrico Police Department
Week 1: July 20 -24, 2026
Week 2: August 24-28, 2026
Richmond, Virginia (co-hosted with Chesterfield Police Department
Week 1: August 31 - September 4, 2026
Week 2: September 21 - 25, 2026
Des Moines, Iowa (co-hosted with Des Moines Police Department
Week 1: September 7-11, 2026
Week 2: October 5-9, 2026
Lakewood, Colorado (co-hosted with Lakewood Police Department
Week 1: September 14-18, 2026
Week 2: October 12-16, 2026
Course Instructors
IACP's LPO instructors are current and recently retired law enforcement, public safety, and military leaders. These individuals are Police Chiefs, Deputy Chiefs, Captains, Lieutenants, and Sergeants who meet the quality standards established by IACP.
LPO Testimonials
"This is an excellent class. Formal instruction with group interaction makes learning the concepts more meaningful."
(Cobb County, GA Participant)
"I am so excited and cannot wait to use these lessons not just now, but in the rest of my career!"
(Jacksonville, FL Participant)
"This has been an exceptional class; the message of leadership is very much needed within this department. This has begun to fill the void that has existed within this department for over 10 years."
(Norfolk, VA Participant)
"Having the human behavioral science incorporated in teaching leadership skills and applications is what makes this leadership course different than others. The theories are practical and can be applied in true work situations. Very valuable course!"
(Calgary, Canada Participant)
