CDCR is proud to announce four staff members have graduated from the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Law Enforcement Command College (LECC), Class 74. This milestone reflects CDCR’s investment in developing leaders with the foresight and adaptability needed for the future of corrections.
The four graduates are:
- Kathleen Ratliff, acting Associate Director, Division of Adult Institutions Region II
- Yesha Hill, acting Chief Deputy Warden, Sierra Conservation Center
- Arti Parmar, acting Special Assistant to the Undersecretary of Operations
- Delinia Lewis, Correctional Administrator, California Institution for Women
About the Command College
The LECC is a 14-month graduate-level advanced leadership program designed to shape forward-thinking law enforcement leaders equipped to navigate the complex challenges facing public safety today and tomorrow.
The curriculum focuses on:
- Building strategic foresight to shape the future of public safety
- Identifying emerging issues and crafting proactive solutions
- Using the STEEP model (sociological, technological, economic, environmental, political) to track trends
- Strengthening partnerships through stakeholder engagement and collaboration
- Applying principles of procedural justice to build trust with communities
Students are expected to take ownership of their learning, applying innovation and strategic thinking to real-world leadership issues. As a part of their graduation requirements, the students authored a comprehensive published article exploring current issues within the corrections system and proposed potential solutions.
Leadership and foresight
Presenting their graduation certificates was POST Executive Director Manuel “Manny” Alvarez (shown above).
At the Class 74 graduation ceremony, Undersecretary of Operations Jason D. Johnson delivered the keynote address. He congratulated the graduates, emphasizing the responsibility that comes with leadership in corrections.
“Leadership is not only about managing today,” Johnson said. “It is about anticipating tomorrow, adapting to change, and leading with vision when challenges arise.”
His message reflected the central purpose of LECC: preparing leaders who can act decisively in complex environments and provide direction when conditions shift rapidly.
Strengthening CDCR leadership
CDCR Director of the Division of Adult Institutions, Gena Jones commended the graduates.
“We are incredibly proud of our staff for completing the POST Command College,” said Jones. “Their commitment to professional development not only benefits their own careers but also strengthens our entire department.”
The knowledge gained in organizational leadership, trend analysis, and policy innovation will help these graduates return to their roles with expanded skills and renewed perspective. Their training will allow CDCR to remain proactive and resilient in the face of change.
Looking ahead
The LECC is more than a graduation. It represents foresight, preparation, and commitment to the future of corrections. The lessons learned by these graduates will guide them as they continue to build safer institutions, stronger teams, and healthier communities.
Congratulations to the CDCR Law Enforcement Command College Class 74 on this significant achievement.
For more information about the LECC program, visit the official site: Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training – Command College.
Story by David Maldonado, deputy chief
Strategic Communications and External Affairs
Office of Public and Employee Communications
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