LCSO Supervisors Complete Leadership Course

A captain and a first lieutenant with the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office graduated from the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Leadership in Police Organization course during a Dec. 7 ceremony.

“Engaging in leadership courses increases the professionalism of our staff and enables the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office to network with other large law enforcement agencies throughout Virginia,” Sheriff Mike Chapman said in a press release.

Captain Mark Poland and First Lieutenant Gary Gaither completed the three-week program, which is based on a behavioral science approach to leading people, groups, change and organizations.

The course teaches the concept “every officer as a leader,” following the idea that 21st century law enforcement agencies cannot simply rely on individuals or a small group of leaders to take charge. Instead, law enforcement executives must create an organizational culture that supports diversified leadership and increased responsibility.

Poland is a 15-year LCSO veteran now serving in the Criminal Investigations Division and Gaither is a 21-year LCSO member now serving in the Operational Support Division.

Personnel from 11 Virginia and North Carolina law enforcement agencies participated in the course, which was held at the Fairfax County Criminal Justice Academy in Chantilly.