Since its beginnings in the early 1970s, the National Sheriffs’ Institute (NSI) has evolved from a single leadership course for sheriffs to a comprehensive sheriff education program. In recent years, training on jail administration was introduced, and now a communications course is underway. The Major County Sheriffs Association has also asked the National Institute of Corrections to create a professional network for NSI alumni that provides ongoing training. With so many changes afoot, NIC sought the participation of alumni, association representatives, and other stakeholders in a day-and-a-half strategic plan listening session.
Session attendees were asked fifteen questions related to seven topic areas regarding the NSI. For each topic area, attendees were divided into small groups of three to four for discussion. The small groups captured and documented their responses, and once complete, each small group presented its findings to the full workgroup for additional discussion and refinement of ideas and concepts. The following goals were derived:
- Provide the nation’s sheriffs with training and networking opportunities that advance the office of the sheriff.
- Recruit, develop, and support outstanding faculty who will strengthen the NSI’s pursuit of excellence through their teaching and mentorship.
- Establish a stable infrastructure to support the mission of the NSI.
The priorities identified throughout the listening session are the foundation of the goals, objectives, and strategies outlined in a strategic plan.
