What motivated you to be a LEPSL ambassador?
As a captain of a large sheriff’s office with over 24 years of dedicated service in law enforcement, I have witnessed firsthand the evolving complexities and challenges that law enforcement professionals face in today’s society. My extensive experience has reinforced my belief in the critical importance of advanced education and leadership training in enhancing the effectiveness and professionalism of our field.
The University of San Diego’s Law Enforcement Public Safety Leadership (LEPSL) master’s degree program stands out as a premier initiative that addresses the specific needs of law enforcement professionals. This program not only provides advanced knowledge and critical thinking skills but also fosters the development of leadership qualities essential for navigating the intricate landscape of public safety.
Several key factors drive my motivation to become an ambassador for the LEPSL program:
Commitment to Professional Development: Throughout my career, I have consistently sought professional growth and development opportunities. I believe that continuous learning is essential for staying current with best practices and emerging trends in law enforcement. The LEPSL program embodies this commitment by offering a curriculum that is both rigorous and relevant to the needs of today’s public safety leaders.
Enhancing Leadership Capabilities: Effective leadership is the cornerstone of any successful law enforcement agency. The LEPSL program’s focus on leadership training aligns perfectly with my own experiences and aspirations. By becoming an ambassador, I can help promote a program that equips officers with the skills necessary to lead with integrity, innovation, and a deep understanding of the communities we serve.
Promoting Higher Education: Higher education has the power to transform careers and improve the quality of public service. I am passionate about encouraging my colleagues to pursue advanced degrees that will not only benefit their personal and professional growth but also enhance our agency’s overall effectiveness. The LEPSL program offers an excellent pathway for officers to achieve these goals.
Giving Back to the Community: Serving as a LEPSL program ambassador gives me a unique opportunity to give back to the law enforcement community. By sharing my experiences and the benefits of this program, I can inspire and mentor the next generation of law enforcement leaders. It is a way to ensure that the values of dedication, excellence, and continuous improvement are passed on to future leaders.
Building a Network of Excellence: The LEPSL program brings together a diverse group of law enforcement professionals who share a commitment to excellence in public safety leadership. As an ambassador, I would be privileged to connect with and learn from these professionals, fostering a network of support and collaboration that can drive positive change within our field.
In conclusion, my motivation to become an ambassador for the University of San Diego’s LEPSL program is deeply rooted in my commitment to professional development, leadership, higher education, community service, and building a network of excellence. I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to promote a program that aligns with these values and contributes to the advancement of our noble profession.
Why did you choose the LEPSL program? What made LEPSL stand out in comparison to other schools/programs?
When considering starting a graduate program, I had several concerns. Balancing the demands of a rigorous academic program with my professional responsibilities was a significant worry. I was also concerned about the financial investment and whether the program’s value would justify the costs. Additionally, I wondered if I would be able to keep up with the coursework after being out of a formal academic setting for a few years.
What were your concerns about starting a graduate program?
When considering starting a graduate program, I had several concerns. Balancing the demands of a rigorous academic program with my professional responsibilities was a significant worry. I was also concerned about the financial investment and whether the program’s value would justify the costs. Additionally, I wondered if I would be able to keep up with the coursework after being out of a formal academic setting for many years.
How did the LEPSL program help you achieve your career goals?
The LEPSL program has not only been instrumental in helping me achieve my career goals, but it has also been a journey of personal growth and fulfillment. The curriculum has profoundly enhanced my leadership knowledge, especially in conflict resolution and implementing innovative leadership tactics beyond conventional methods. These skills have been invaluable in my role as a captain, enabling me to tackle complex challenges with creative solutions and significantly improve my team’s effectiveness. Additionally, the course has positively impacted my personal life, particularly in my role as a softball coach, where I have applied these leadership and conflict resolution skills to guide and mentor my team effectively.
What advice would you share with prospective LEPSL applicants?
For prospective applicants of the University of San Diego’s Law Enforcement Public Safety Leadership (LEPSL) program, I offer this advice: Embrace the program as a vital opportunity for growth that will significantly enhance your leadership and critical thinking skills. Develop effective time management strategies to balance your academic, professional, and personal commitments. Actively engage with the program’s diverse community of professionals, as these connections can provide valuable support and open doors for future opportunities. Apply the practical knowledge you gain directly to your work and personal life, especially in areas like conflict resolution and innovative leadership tactics. Stay dedicated to your goals, keeping in mind the long-term benefits this advanced education will bring to your career and your ability to positively impact your community.
What was your favorite LEPSL course?
My favorite class was LEPSL 510 – Communication Skills for Law Enforcement Leaders. This comprehensive course covered the various ways law enforcement leaders must communicate to be successful, from interpersonal communication with colleagues and citizens to formal written reports and media interactions. It introduced and developed essential communication skills necessary for leading a modern law enforcement department. The practical knowledge gained from this class has been incredibly impactful in my role, enhancing my ability to interact effectively with colleagues, the community, and the media.
What were you balancing while participating in the LEPSL program?
During my time in the LEPSL program, I successfully juggled a multitude of demanding roles. As the captain of a large sheriff’s office, I was responsible for leading a team, overseeing operations, and tackling complex law enforcement issues on a daily basis. In addition to these professional duties, I also had personal commitments, such as family responsibilities and coaching a softball team, which demanded my time and attention. The ability to manage these diverse responsibilities was a significant achievement for me.
At the outset, balancing my professional, personal, and academic responsibilities was a daunting task. The academic demands of the LEPSL program, coupled with my existing commitments, necessitated effective time management, prioritization, and unwavering dedication. It was a challenging but ultimately rewarding experience.
Despite the initial challenges, the LEPSL program’s flexible structure was a game-changer. Within the first few weeks of my first class, I was able to seamlessly integrate my studies with my professional and personal obligations. This balance was instrumental in allowing me to apply the knowledge and skills I gained from the program in real time, thereby significantly enhancing both my professional performance and personal growth.
How did you stay motivated throughout the program in the face of competing priorities in your life?
Despite numerous competing priorities, staying motivated throughout the LEPSL program required clear goals, effective time management, and a robust support system. I maintained a vision of my career objectives and the program’s benefits, which helped me stay focused. I balanced work, family, coaching, and study by organizing my schedule efficiently. The support from family, colleagues, and peers was not just encouraging, but it was crucial in understanding the challenges and providing the necessary support. The engaging course material and its immediate applicability to my role as a law enforcement leader kept me engaged. Recognizing the personal and professional growth I was experiencing further reinforced my commitment. Additionally, the program’s flexibility allowed me to adapt my studies around my busy schedule, making it easier to balance my responsibilities.
LEPSL Graduating Class:
2025