Senior Leadership Program

 Before completing the online application, qualified applicants must prepare to upload the following documents:

SLP Class 29 Application Link - Open March 12, 2026 - June 12, 2026


Questions? Please contact Seasha Rutledge at SeashaRutledge@fdle.state.fl.us, (850) 410-7350 or (850)274-7931

Qualifications

To qualify for the Senior Leadership Program applicants must:
  • Occupy a criminal justice management position which includes permanent supervision of others.
  • Currently hold the rank or position of mid-level management; a supervisor of other supervisors (example: Lieutenant, Captain, Major, or non-sworn Bureau Commander).
  • Occupy a leadership position which influences agency policy or impacts operation of the organization. 
  • Submit a written endorsement from the agency chief executive indicating the application's potential for an executive position in criminal justice. 
  • Availability to attend ALL session dates.

                                                         

Orientation

  July 29 – 30, 2026

Session 1

  August 10 – 13, 2026

Session 2

  September 21 – 24, 2026

Session 3

  November 16 - 19, 2026

Session 4

  January 11 – 14, 2027

Session 5

  February 22 – 25, 2027

Session 6

   April 12 – 15, 2027

Session 7

   May 24 – 28, 2027


Applicants must not be enrolled in any other extensive leadership programs during enrollment in this program, unless approved by the SLP Program Administrator. (University degree seeking coursework is permitted) 

Questions? Please contact Seasha Rutledge at seasharutledge@fdle.state.fl.us, (850) 410-7350 or (850)274-7931



Program Dates
SLP Class 29:

Application period: March 12 - June 12, 2026

Orientation: July 29-30, 2026
Session 1:   August 10-13, 2026
Session 2:   September 21-24, 2026
Session 3:   November 16-19, 2026
Session 4:   January 11-14, 2027
Session 5:    February 22-25, 2027
Session 6:    April 12-15, 2027
Session 7:    May 24-27, 2027
Graduation:  May 28, 2027


Program Outline

SESSION 1 - INTRODUCTION TO LEADERSHIP
Introduction to Leadership provides participants in the Senior Leadership Program with an overview of the program requirements including goals and objectives for each individual section, reading requirements, and expectations for individual research projects. This session also provides an introduction to Florida demographics as a driver of the future, and the establishment of ethics and integrity as the foundation of leadership practices.

SESSION 2 - CRIMINAL JUSTICE RESEARCH 
This session provides participants with an introduction to research in the social sciences. Participants will get a refresher course on writing skills and APA 7 style writing. Communication styles and strategies will also be discussed within the session.

SESSION 3 - DEFINING THE FUTURE
Defining the Future will provide participants with an understanding of the definitions, assumptions, and components of futures studies. This session will also include a discussion of creativity and problem solving, demographics, and economics as drivers of the future, and include a discussion emphasizing the Florida perspective. Exercises will introduce the concept of futures forecasting with applications to criminal justice issues.

SESSION 4 - COMMUNICATIONS
Communications familiarizes program participants with communication skills including tools for effective oral communications and the principles and effectiveness of active listening. A significant portion of this session is devoted to group presentations.

SESSION 5 - LEADERSHIP OF CHANGE
Contemporary theories of strategic planning, strategic thinking, and decision making are introduced in Leadership of Change. Creativity and innovation in solving problems in the organization and the community are discussed. Current theories of change management and the leadership issues related to creating change in organizations are described and discussed.

SESSION 6 - LEADERSHIP IN TEAMS & ORGANIZATIONS: OFFICER WELLNESS
Leadership in Teams and Organizations addresses leadership in the context of organizations. In addition to practical skills for building effective teams, this session explores the benefits to organizations where information flow, relationships, and organizational values are all in good alignment.

SESSION 7 - SENIOR LEADERSHIP COLLOQUIUM
The Senior Leadership Colloquium is the formal presentation of individual research projects. Presentations are supported by panels of subject matter experts and are evaluated on the basis of originality of work, focus on criminal justice issues, a futures orientation, and adherence to acceptable research principles and practices. The research of Senior Leadership participants is published by the Florida Criminal Justice Executive Institute on their website.

Florida Department of Law Enforcement Priorities

FDLE is composed of five areas: Executive Direction and Business Support, Criminal Investigations and Forensic Science, Criminal Justice Information, Criminal Justice Professionalism and Florida Capitol Police. FDLE’s duties, responsibilities and procedures are mandated through Chapter 943, FS, and Chapter 11, FAC. To learn more about these areas, read our Statement of Agency Organization and Operation or visit our Open Government page.