Candidate Prerequisites and Course Expectations

To be considered for enrollment in the Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute (SBSLI), each applicant must meet the following criteria:

  • Volunteers or requests to attend
  • Agrees to remain employed in law enforcement for five years after SBSLI
  • Currently serves as a full-time, first-level supervisory peace officer (generally the position of Sergeant) or dispatch supervisor
  • Has completed two years of full-time experience supervising peace officer employees or dispatchers
  • Has completed the POST Supervisory Course, Dispatch Supervisory Course, an equivalent, or possesses a POST Supervisory Certificate
     

Students are required to live at the course site while the course is in session. The SBSLI consists of eight 24-hour sessions held approximately every four weeks. The total course hours are 192. Students are expected to attend all sessions but are allowed to miss 16 total hours of class time so long as not more than one eight-hour day per 24-hour session is missed. Evening social activities are strongly encouraged.

A considerable amount of reading and writing is required between sessions on the student's own time. A minimum of two books are assigned per session and written book reviews of both are required. Students must be prepared to discuss the readings and take part in all learning activities as well as actively participate in classroom discussions. A final team project is completed in session eight.