CDCR was given the opportunity to enroll correctional sergeants in the Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute (SLI) from the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST).
The following CDCR correctional sergeants graduated SLI:
- John Harris, Substance Abuse Training Facility, graduated cohort 551 on Sept. 26.
- Magdalena Gocheva, Field Training Sergeant at Mule Creek State Prison, graduated cohort 552 on Oct. 15.
- Philip Arias, Field Training Sergeant at Wasco State Prison, graduated cohort 553 on Oct. 31.
According to organizers, this is a proud moment for the sergeants as well as the department.
As previously reported, Sgt. Michael Moody graduated with cohort 550 on Sept. 17.
“The sergeants’ dedication and commitment to excellence in the institutions is truly commendable,” according to CDCR leaders. “This achievement reflects their hard work and the high standards we strive for in our training programs.”
What is the SLI course?
The SLI course is designed to enhance the leadership abilities of first-line supervisors in California law enforcement. SLI focuses on ethics, leadership, and serving others. The course consists of eight 24-hour sessions (192 hours) presented over eight months. SLI is intended for staff who have at least two years of full-time experience as a sergeant or lieutenant.
The Peace Officer Selection and Employee Development (POSED) team believes this training will equip emerging leaders with the essential skills to motivate, guide, and support their teams in a correctional setting. This training fosters a culture of accountability, improves decision-making, and enhances communication with the team. Overall, this leads to increased employee satisfaction and safety.
The course requires participants complete and present on an Adaptive Leadership Project and read a multitude of books.
Their reading list includes:
- Man’s Search for Meaning
- The Practice of Adaptive Leadership
- Ten Golden Rules of Leadership
- Emotional Survival
- Leadership and Self-Deception
- Tough Choices
- Five Dysfunctions of a Team
- Blink
- Outliers
- and Leading with Character.
Session six includes one full day at the Museum of Tolerance, with training presented by museum staff. This is coupled with a short tour of the museum.
Looking to the future
“By investing in leadership development, we can ensure CDCR remains adaptable and promotes a culture of safety, respect, and accountability,” according to POSED. “We would like to congratulate all of the sergeants on their graduation. We look forward to three other sergeants enrolled in future cohorts.”
Future cohorts will be announced via email to all CDCR sergeants, giving these staff the opportunity to volunteer to attend this amazing training.
“The Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute was an eye-opening experience in so many ways,” said Sgt. Arias. “From not knowing what to expect at the beginning of the class to meeting and working with some of the finest people to ever wear a badge and designing my final Adaptive Leadership Project. The experiences I have been a part of is something I will never forget. Out of all the experiences I had during this class, it is difficult to reflect on how far I have grown personally and professionally. The opportunity at SLI has forced me to think about everything in my life in a different way. If anyone is given the opportunity to attend SLI, I strongly recommend you take it. The experience is one you will always remember. Thank you SLI for what you have done for me.”
Submitted by CDCR’s Peace Officer Selection and Employee Development
Interested Correctional Officer applicants can apply online at JoinCDCR.com.
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