Iowa Law Enforcement Academy
SUMMARY
This training opportunity took place at the ILEA campus in Des Moines. The course
lasted 10 weeks and began on October 3, 1988. This course was very intense and covered
12 functional areas, each of which is broken down in several subgroups. These functional
areas are listed on the attached agenda.
The training included many aspects of both Substantive Law and Procedural Law. We
also spent many hours on the psychological aspects of Law Enforcement. This training
rewarded us with the comprehension of both the public’s point of view, as well as the
effects on the Law Enforcement Officer. This training included Human Relations and
Communications, Community Services, and Post Shooting Trauma.
The training also included a full session that covered First Responder Certification and
Child Birth. This was another mandatory certification for all officers. The proper safety
session included both classroom and hands-on training. A mandatory certification was
required to successfully complete this training session.
This course also forced us to learn excellent organizational ethics. We accumulated two
large 3-ring binders of resource information during the course. We were reviewed on our
information packets on a regular basis. Class notes and handouts had to be properly
numbered and placed in their appropriate locations within the packets.
The individuals that successfully completed all the elements of this course graduated on
December 16th, 1988. The ceremony was conducted by the Governor of Iowa and the
ILEA staff. I was pleased with placing 9th overall from the class of 33 and 2nd in the
firearms certification. The ceremony emphasized all the positive aspects of our training
and encouraged us to use it to enhance our communities.
CURRENT APPLIED KNOWLEDGE
I utilize a great deal of this training on a day-to-day basis. Of particular note would be the
training on Community Relations and Organization. The training that I received has
greatly enhanced my abilities to supervise and manage different types of personalities.
Using these ideals, I have spent many years as a supervisor dealing with people and their
personal issues. I have been able to understand the psychological aspects of economics,
environment, and background as it relates to behavior and motivation. Being successful
as a supervisor is one of the reasons I have moved up through management.
FUTURE APPLIED KNOWLEDGE
I will continue to use many of the rewards that I gained from my experience at the Iowa
Law Enforcement Academy. As I deal with new circumstances and new people, these
ideals will continue to be my guide. Throughout my career, I will always utilize positive
reinforcement, as well as diplomatic problem-solving techniques as I deal with different
types of people and situations.
