December 5, 2023
Police Department
DATE: December 5, 2023
TO: Mayor Martinez and Members of the City Council
FROM:
Bisa French, Chief of Police
Subject:
Executive Management Training Course Held in Boston,
Massachusetts for Captain Matthew Stonebraker.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: The expected expenditure of $11,400 for the executive training course will be budgeted appropriately in the
Police Department’s Fiscal Year 2024-2025 training
budget – account string: 01191021-400243.
PREVIOUS COUNCIL
ACTION:
n/a
STATEMENT OF THE
ISSUE:
The highly coveted Senior Management Institute for
Police (SMIP) executive training course is only available to a small selection of applicants. Captain Matthew
Stonebraker matched the qualifications and was selected to attend the course from July 8-26, 2024, and City
Council approval is needed to hold the spot and submit
full payment by the deadline.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
ACCEPT and APPROVE the course registration amount
not to exceed $11,400, and the out-of-state travel form, for the Senior Management Institute for Police (SMIP)
program at Boston University School of Law for Captain
Stonebraker to attend from July 8, 2024, through July 26, 2024 – Police Department (Chief Bisa French 510-621-
1802).
AGENDA
REPORT
December 5, 2023
DISCUSSION:
Senior Management Institute for Police (SMIP) is a program of the Police Executive Research Forum that provides senior police executives with intensive training in the latest management concepts and practices used in business and government. It also discusses the most challenging issues facing law enforcement executives today. SMIP is a demanding three-week course that brings together faculty from top universities, successful law enforcement chief executives, and subject matter experts from the private sector. SMIP is designed for mid- to upper-level police executives throughout the United States and other participating countries. SMIP’s curriculum addresses the issues that demand the attention of today’s forward-thinking law enforcement leaders. Classes are held at the Boston University School of Law, where participants learn and reside in the University’s classrooms and residence halls on campus.
As a developmental program for the profession’s current and future leaders, SMIP focuses on leadership and executive development. The curriculum is more conceptual than technical and requires participants to think broadly about their agencies’ environment and operations. Readings and class discussions stimulate critical thinking and problem-solving. Participants emerge with an understanding of advanced management practices and effective leadership. They also develop an enhanced awareness of the management methods and resources necessary for fulfilling current or future responsibilities. By sharing individual management experiences and exchanging ideas during group discussions, participants gain confidence in their managerial abilities and develop sources of consultation, advice, and support that will endure well beyond the course.
Investing in the professional development of our police managers and executives has been a long-standing priority for the Richmond Police Department. Over the past decade, multiple police executives of rank Captain and above, including Police Chief Bisa French, have attended SMIP. In each case, staff have learned best practices for providing police services to the citizens of Richmond and implemented vital policies and changes within the Richmond Police Department.
SMIP reviews thousands of applications and selects only a small percentage each year.
Department staff is asking City Council to approve the course registration fee in the amount of $11,400 and the out of state travel, so staff can ensure timely confirmation and payment.
DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
Attachment 1 – Acceptance Letter
Attachment 2 – Executed Travel Authorization Form