Executive Development Course

EDC Application

Applications for the Executive Development Course (EDC) are accepted on a continuous basis and reviewed for each deadline. Deadlines for each class are as follows:

• Class 24-1, San Diego, CA – July 18, 2024
• Class 24-2, San Diego, CA – September 19, 2024
• Class 24-3, San Diego, CA – November 14, 2024
• Class 24-4, San Diego, CA – January 16, 2025
• Class 24-5, Folsom, CA – March 6, 2025

Please see the "Course Dates" section of this webpage for specific class session dates

Course Information

EDC is the last in a series of professional development programs offered by POST and is intended to enhance the leadership potential and capabilities of law enforcement executives. The EDC is an 80-hour course conducted in two separate one-week sessions.

Completion of EDC is a requirement for a department head to receive their POST Executive Certificate [Commission Regulation 1202(b)(9)].

EDC addresses a broad range of contemporary topics, issues and trends relevant to the law enforcement executive. These include:

• Perspectives on the executive leadership role in law enforcement
• Contemporary issues, principled policing, and community perspectives affecting law enforcement leadership
• Understanding and navigating local government, budgets, and the City/County Management Police Executive Relationship
• The integration of ethics and value-based principles into the core operating philosophy and culture of the organization
• Principles of strategic and transition management when planning for and implementing change
• Organizational interventions and critical incident care management
• Risk management, internal auditing, systems analysis and performance measures
• Internal/External accountability systems, misconduct prevention and early detection strategies
• Crisis communications and media competency
• Current legal issues regarding organizational liability, internal discipline, forms of discrimination, and personal liability

EDC utilizes facilitative learning techniques to encourage individual participation and group interaction. To ensure a professionally enriching experience, every person attending the EDC is expected to actively contribute to the discussion. Participants should be prepared to share their professional experience and perspectives, as well as their organizational challenges and successes, for the benefit of all in attendance.

Application Expectations and Qualifications

WHO MAY ATTEND: EDC is designed for department heads and their executive staff but is open to all sworn personnel at the rank of lieutenant or above who have successfully completed the POST Management Course (requirements for EDC are set forth in Commission Procedure Section D-5).

WAIVER: The POST Executive Director may waive the Management Course prerequisite for a chief executive who has completed training comparable to a POST Management Course (refer to Commission Procedure Section D-15 for information on the waiver process).

ATTENDANCE: Officers in middle management (typically third-level lieutenants and commanders) require department head authorization. Students will be expected to accept responsibility to complete reading and writing assignments between class sessions, commit to attend all class sessions,  take part in all learning activities through active class participation, and agree to conduct themselves in accordance with EDC policies, procedures, and expectations. Students may miss no more than 10% of the program to complete the certificate requirement.

TUITION: EDC is a Plan IV program covering travel, lodging and per diem. No tuition for POST reimbursable agencies. California State agencies and other non-POST reimbursable agencies are responsible for program tuition of $3,200.00. Check with your Training Manager to see if your agency is a POST reimbursable agency.

APPLYING: To contribute to the success of EDC, agencies should only submit the names of law enforcement executives who meet all the criteria listed above. The application period for each class will open 90 days prior to the start of class, and remain open for 30 days. Applications will be reviewed and selected based on rank and application date. Applicants will be notified of their selection 50 days prior to class beginning. Requests for specific classes and deferrals will not be accepted and students may only register for specific classes during the open registration dates. Please note: Agency heads will take priority in the selection process. Submission of an application does not guarantee placement in a scheduled class. If authorization from your agency is required, note the department head name and check the attestation box prior to submission.