Police Supervisory In-Service Training (POSIT)

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Contact Information

Paula Parker
Program Coordinator
prc11@psu.edu

Course Description

The Penn State Justice and Safety Institute (JASI) is pleased to partner with our co-sponsor to present this intensive and innovative program designed to provide a better understanding of the roles, duties, and functions of a first-line supervisor. This highly interactive four-and-a-half-day program is designed for first-line supervisors and those under consideration for promotion.

There are many challenges to becoming an effective first-line law enforcement supervisor. The Police Supervisor In-Service Training (POSIT) program provides first-line supervisors with the necessary tools to be strong leaders within their organizations and communities. Specifically, POSIT can help prepare first-line supervisors to meet the challenge of “critical shift” into a supervisory position. The transition from being a line officer to a supervisor requires a specific mindset and skill set to be an integral part of the management team.

POSIT examines leadership principles, specifically situational leadership. The course focuses on the legal aspects of supervision, examines the importance of policy for effective management of personnel, and identifies liability issues that can arise if policies are not followed.

Managing employees is critical at the first-line supervisor level. Subordinates are reacting to rapidly unfolding situations and are in direct view of the public 24 hours a day. POSIT provides first-line supervisors with concepts and practices for effective performance evaluations, coaching programs, and motivational strategies. The course also covers hostile work environments and discipline as a supervisory tool. All the concepts in the course are reinforced through group activities and scenarios to develop the critical thinking skills of the attendees.

Key Concepts for POSIT

Key Concepts	Topics
Supervisory roles	Critical responsibilities Three vital skill sets
Supervisory styles	Five various styles Factors that affect the various styles
Measurable standards of performance	Developing performance evaluations Use of evaluations as a management tool
Legal aspects of supervision	Vicarious/civil liability Minimizing liability
Marginal or problem employees	COACH model Motivational strategies
Discipline as a supervisory tool	Progressive discipline Ethical/legal obligations
Hostile work environments	Individual, organizational, and economic impacts Prevention and management strategies

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Registration

Course: Police Supervisory In-Service Training (POSIT) (Course Description)
When: November 13, 2023 – November 17, 2023, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
Where: Virtual Course (Zoom)