Law enforcement leaders showcase capstone projects in Lawrence
LAWRENCE — Earlier this month, law enforcement officers from agencies across the state gathered to present their capstone projects as part of the Law Enforcement Leadership Academy (LELA).
This final project for the Command School took place Dec. 4 in Lawrence, one day before graduation, marking the culmination of nearly a year of hard work, leadership development and problem-solving.
The capstone projects addressed pressing needs within each department, from special projects to training new supervisors. Lt. Daniel Bortnick of the Riley County Police Department developed a project that focused on cost recovery for special events.
"It takes the length of the course to put the whole thing together,” he said. “Right now, my agency offers police services for special events for free, so we’re looking to change that because it’s affecting our budget at the end of the year."
The LELA Command School, introduced in 2013 by the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center (KLETC) and the University of Kansas Public Management Center, focuses on developing leadership and management skills for commanders and chief executives throughout Kansas. Today, it operates under the Center for Public Safety Leadership (CPSL), a partnership between KLETC and KU that provides leadership development training for law enforcement organizations, including small and rural agencies.
"The University of Kansas plays a part in training so many leaders in law enforcement across the state of Kansas,” said Darin Beck, director of police training for the state of Kansas and vice provost at KU. “The LELA Command School strengthens law enforcement agencies and provides participants with a network of professionals to collaborate with and rely on as they navigate obstacles throughout their careers."
Beck also highlighted the leadership behind CPSL, recognizing the efforts of Assistant Director Mary Ellen Kirkbride, Associate Director Jonathan Morris and Director Troy Livingston. He noted that their dedication is instrumental to the program’s success.
Upcoming opportunities
New classes for law enforcement leaders begin in early 2025, and two sessions are available:
- Beginning Jan. 6 at the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center (KLETC) in Dodge City.
- Beginning Jan. 27 at the Olathe Health Education Center in Olathe.