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ILLINOIS PUBLIC SAFETY LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE

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Rather than adapting civilian professionals into traditional, sworn-focused leadership training, the Illinois Public Safety Leadership Institute was intentionally designed around a different principle:
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Civilian leaders are not a secondary audience...

They are the reason the program exists.

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CIVILIAN LEADERSHIP SERIES

About the Institute

The Illinois Public Safety Leadership Institute - Civilian is a premier, multi-year leadership development program dedicated to strengthening the capabilities of civilian professionals across the public safety sector. Designed specifically for non-sworn public safety supervisors including communications, community service, court services, IT, records, and other civilian leaders, IPSLI is supported by a growing network of respected statewide organizations and delivers immersive, real-world training designed to elevate supervisory effectiveness, enhance service delivery, and build resilient, high-performing teams.

Unlike traditional one-time leadership seminars, Illinois Public Safety Leadership Institute - Civilian is intentionally structured as a three-year continuing education experience, recognizing that leadership development is not a single event, but an evolving process. Participants engage in a progressive curriculum focused on Supervisory Skills, Service Excellence, and Leadership Development, with each year intentionally building upon the lessons, discussions, and practical application of the year before. This extended model allows participants time between sessions to apply new concepts within their agencies, navigate real-world organizational changes, test strategies in live environments, and return with meaningful experiences, challenges, and successes that enrich future learning and peer collaboration.

What further sets IPSLI apart is access to the same elite instructors who train sworn personnel, bringing nationally recognized expertise directly to civilian leaders while creating a statewide network of peers facing many of the same operational realities, leadership challenges, and opportunities. Through this approach, IPSLI develops confident, capable leaders equipped to drive meaningful impact within their agencies and the communities they serve. The program is built specifically for civilian professionals who lead critical public safety functions.

Built for Civilian Public Safety Leaders

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911 Communications

Courts & Probation

Community Service

Information Technology

Records Management

Social Services

Whether you lead one of the disciplines above or serve in another essential public safety function, IPSLI is designed for civilian leaders like you.

Three-Year Cohort Based Program

  • Focus on
    Strengthening Supervision

    Building confident, capable public safety supervisors who lead with clarity, consistency, and accountability in dynamic public safety environments.

    8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
    Institute Dates

    September 28 - October 2, 2026
     
    Click arrows to see session topics
  • Session Topics
    • From Buddy to Boss

    • Leading in a Public Safety Culture

    • Communication that Builds Accountability

    • Performance Management Essentials

    • Conflict Resolution & Mediation Skills

    • Legal & Ethical Responsibilities for Supervisors

    • Time, Priority & Workload Management

    • Building Team Trust

    • Decision Making Under Pressure

    • Coaching for Performance

    • Everything DiSC & Workplace Relationships

    • Motivating Employees

    Click arrows to return to session overview
  • Focus on
    Enhancing Service

    Advancing service delivery by equipping professionals with the skills to communicate effectively, respond thoughtfully, & exceed community expectations.

    8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
    Institute Dates

    September 27 - October 1, 2027
     
    Click arrows to see session topics
  • Session Topics
    • Defining Service in Public Safety

    • Creating a Culture of Excellence

    • Procedural Justice & Public Trust

    • Managing Difficult Customers & High Tension

    • Intergenerational Workforce Dynamics

    • Process Improvement & Operational Efficiency

    • Cross-Department Collaboration

    • Legal Update

    • Internal Customer Service

    • Recovering from Service Failures

    • From Transaction to Relationship

    • Service as a Strategy

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  • Focus on
    Elevating Leadership

    Developing forward-thinking leaders who inspire others, drive organizational excellence, and create lasting impact across public safety agencies.

    8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
    Institute Dates

    September 25 - September 29, 2028
     
    Click arrows to see session topics
    • Leadership Identity & Command Presence

    • Strategic Thinking for Public Safety Leaders

    • Leading Organizational Change

    • Culture Creation & Repair

    • Leading Through Crisis

    • Resilience & Team Wellness

    • Organizational Influence

    • Innovation & Future Trends

    • Succession Planning & Developing Future Leaders

    • Ethics, Legacy & Leading With Character

    • Adaptive Leadership

    • Legal Update

    Session Topics
    Click arrows to return to session overview

Institute Features

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Expert-Led Workshops

Participants learn from highly experienced instructors who bring real-world supervisory, customer service and leadership expertise into every session. These workshops deliver practical, applicable strategies that can be immediately implemented in the workplace.

Interactive Modules

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Engaging, hands-on modules are designed to reinforce learning through discussion, problem-solving, and real-life scenarios. This approach ensures participants actively apply concepts rather than passively receive information.

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Networking

The Institute fosters meaningful connections among public safety professionals from across the state. These relationships create lasting opportunities for collaboration, support, and shared learning well beyond the classroom.

What You Need to Know about IPSLI

Applicants should register with the expectation of participating in all three interlocking phases of the institute experience.

IPSLI is intentionally designed as a three-year leadership journey, with each year thoughtfully designed to build on the knowledge and relationships developed in prior sessions.

These sessions are non-sequential and one may begin the three-year cycle at any time.

The IPSLI courses include three one-week sessions, focusing on Strengthening Supervision, Enhancing Service & Elevating Leadership.

Unlike other public safety leadership training, IPSLI Civilian is specifically focused on non-sworn supervisors serving public safety.

Participants graduate from the Illinois Public Safety Leadership Institute upon successful completion of all three sessions.

Unlike other public safety leadership training, IPSLI is specifically focused on non-sworn supervisors serving in public safety.

Early tuition received before deadline - $995 per session ; To pay by credit card there is a $40 processing fee for each registration

*$1095 Late Registration for payment received after deadline      (21 business days prior to the start of IPSLI)

Institute registration includes classes, materials, breakfast, lunch and parking.

Special room block pricing available for participants requiring lodging using link above.

Lead Better. Perform Stronger. Serve Greater.
Advancing Civilian Leadership in Public Safety 

Early tuition received before deadline - $995 per session ; To pay by credit card there is a $40 processing fee for each registration

 Endorsing & Affiliated Organizations

Endorsed By

Endorsing Organizations represent IPSLI’s principle institutional supporters—organizations that have formally committed to actively championing, promoting, and helping advance the mission and long-term success of the Illinois Public Safety Leadership Institute.

Professional Affiliates

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Affiliating Organizations are respected professional associations and organizations that align with the mission of IPSLI and lend their recognition, professional association, and collaborative support in helping broaden awareness and strengthen the Institute’s statewide network.

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Questions
Institute Training
Location
Staybridge Suites Chicago O'Hare - Rosemont by IHG
6600 Mannheim Road
Rosemont, IL 60018
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