Florida is home to some of the finest and most well-trained law-enforcement leaders in the country – and that doesn’t happen by accident. Law enforcement, just like any other field, is constantly evolving with new technology, techniques and best practices for serving citizens. Providing law enforcement officers with training for new technology and techniques is critical to ensuring the safety of our officers and the public.

Effective training is crucial for law enforcement officers, including sheriffs, as it directly impacts their ability to serve and protect communities safely and effectively. Investing in comprehensive training for law enforcement officers is essential for ensuring safety, reducing unnecessary use of force, building community trust, adhering to legal and ethical standards and effectively managing mental health crises.

Keeping our law enforcement officers up to date is essential to public safety. By prioritizing ongoing training, the Florida Sheriffs Association (FSA) has demonstrated a strong commitment of equipping leaders to better serve the law enforcement community.

Why Law Enforcement Training is Crucial

Training for law enforcement officers is essential due to its impact on their ability to perform duties effectively, adapt to changing environments and ensure public safety. Key reasons for the importance of training include:

Improved Officer and Public Safety

Training reduces risks for officers in dangerous situations which also reduces the likelihood of harm to the public. The FBI reports that better-trained officers are less likely to be assaulted or killed in the line of duty.

Preparedness for Complex Situations

Law enforcement officers often face high-risk and complex situations requiring quick decision-making. Comprehensive training equips them with the skills to respond effectively, reducing risks to both officers and the public.

Building Community Trust

Well-trained officers are better prepared to engage positively with community members, fostering trust and cooperation.

Adapting to Changing Environments

Continuous training ensures officers stay updated on new laws, technologies and best practices, enabling them to serve diverse communities effectively.

Addressing Mental Health Crises Appropriately

Training in crisis intervention is vital for officers to respond effectively to individuals experiencing mental health crises.

Ensuring Legal and Ethical Compliance

Comprehensive training ensures that officers understand legal standards and ethical considerations, reducing the risk of misconduct and the associated legal ramifications.

Reduction in Use-of-Force Incidents

Training programs that emphasize de-escalation techniques and crisis intervention can lead to a decrease in use-of-force incidents.

Leadership Training

The Commanders Academy is an exceptionally informative and educational experience that is vital for the next generation of public safety leaders. Over the past decade, it has become recognized as the premier course of executive study for mid to upper-level criminal justice leaders.

The first Commanders Academy class was held in 2013, but the FSA team began working on the idea of an academy for leaders within Florida’s sheriffs’ offices for years leading up to the inaugural class. The core curriculum focuses on leadership, ethics, discipline and additional subject matter areas related to upper-level leadership in law enforcement. The remaining curriculum is adjusted according to emerging trends and issues that have an impact on our sheriffs and recent high-profile events. Each topic is threaded with issues that are unique to the culture of the Office of Sheriff. Throughout the two-week course, the class hears from more than 50 presenters and panelists, many of whom are sheriffs. No other criminal justice program in the state provides this level of executive training.

Previous classes established several traditions, including making a donation to the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranch. Other traditions include gathering in front of the Sheriffs Memorial each morning before classes begin for a moment of silence or prayer followed by reading the names of the fallen deputies who were killed in action, along with their respective sheriffs’ offices. The United States flag that was flown over the FSA complex during their class was retired and presented to the Youth Ranch, along with the monetary donation. Through ongoing training, support and cutting-edge research, the Florida Sheriffs Association has demonstrated a strong commitment to equipping leaders to better serve their agencies and communities through its prestigious Commanders Academy. FSA is proud of what this training program has accomplished since its inception.

Law Enforcement Training for Sheriffs and Their Staff

The Florida Sheriffs Association hosts three major conferences each year to recognize and support the work of Florida sheriffs and their teams, including the popular Executive Leadership Conference and Fleet Exposition (ELC). This annual event attracts an average of 550 attendees and is designed to provide law enforcement training for every team member in a sheriff’s office. Attendees include sheriffs, command staff, finance and human resource personnel, jail administrators, fleet managers, IT personnel, purchasing agents, executive assistants, teen driver challenge instructors, chaplains and public information officers.

Keynote speakers address critical topics relevant to today’s sheriff’s offices such as wellness, team building and leadership. In addition to these insightful sessions, attendees participate in specialized training for command staff, corrections, executive assistants, PIOs, finance, human resources and more. The vendor hall introduces participants to innovative technology and a wide range of products and services tailored for law enforcement. The outdoor vehicle display showcases the latest pursuit-rated vehicles, heavy equipment and fire rescue and emergency service vehicles.

The Florida Sheriffs Association is proud to host an annual event that delivers high-quality law enforcement training, equipping hundreds of professionals with the knowledge, skills and connections needed to excel in their roles.

Jail Standards Training

The Florida Model Jail Standards (FMJS) are minimum standards which jails across Florida must meet to ensure the constitutional rights of those incarcerated are upheld. Prior to 1996, the Florida Department of Corrections was responsible for the standards and inspection process for local county jails. Legislation was passed in 1996 that gave the authority of inspections to the local level. This change required the Florida Sheriffs Association and Florida Association of Counties to appoint individuals to serve on a Commission that would govern standards that local jails must comply with. The Florida Sheriff Association plays a critical role in supporting the development and enforcement of jail standards throughout the state.

Jail Inspectors and Jail Medical Inspectors must be certified in order to conduct inspections. Recertification for inspectors must be completed every four years, and each FMJS Jail and Medical Inspector must complete an eight-hour Refresher/Recertification Class.

The Jail Inspector’s course is a five-day course offered by the Florida Sheriffs Association which combines classroom activities and hands-on learning. This course covers:

• The history of jail standards
• Standards review
• Sanitation
• Food service
• Fire safety
• Report writing
• Legal
• Inspections methods

The Florida Sheriffs Association provides various training programs for law enforcement personnel, including those working in jails and correctional facilities. These programs often cover essential topics such as inmate management, crisis intervention, legal requirements and safety protocols. For more information about these specialized law enforcement training offerings, visit the FMJS training website.

Leadership Training for Women in Law Enforcement

Launched in 2025, the Florida Sheriffs Women’s Leadership Academy is a groundbreaking program designed to empower and elevate women in leadership roles within Florida’s Sheriffs’ Offices. The academy provides a 20-hour immersive experience focused on career development, leadership and mentorship. The program featured industry-leading experts, including Florida’s four elected female sheriffs:

• Retired Sheriff Susan Benton (Highlands County)
• Retired Sheriff Sadie Darnell (Alachua County)
• Sheriff Michelle Cook (Clay County)
• Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz (Miami-Dade County)

These trailblazing leaders shared their experiences, challenges and leadership strategies to inspire the next generation of women in law enforcement.

“The Florida Sheriffs Women’s Leadership Academy is not only a significant step towards leadership development for Florida’s top women law enforcement leaders, but it is also a major step in achieving the goals of the 30×30 Initiative, a national effort to increase the representation of women in law enforcement to 30% by 2030,” said Florida Sheriffs Association President and Charlotte County Sheriff Bill Prummell.

The program’s curriculum covers essential leadership topics, including:

• The History of Women in Florida Law Enforcement
• Mentorship and Career Advancement
• Resiliency in Law Enforcement
• Recruitment and Retention Strategies
• Effective Communication and Emotional Intelligence
• Mental Health and Self-Awareness

The Florida Sheriffs Women’s Leadership Academy is not only a milestone for the state but a trailblazing initiative in breaking down barriers and overcoming negative stigmas faced by women in law enforcement. The Florida Sheriffs Association remains committed to fostering leadership and professional growth within the law enforcement community, ensuring that the next generation of women leaders are well-equipped to serve and protect Florida’s communities.

Support Law Enforcement in Florida

The Florida Sheriffs Association provides a variety of management and technical training programs across the state for its members and other members of the law enforcement community. Training courses offer expertise in leadership, human resource/risk management, administrative management and other law-enforcement and corrections-oriented areas of need for both certified and non-certified personnel.

The Florida Sheriffs Association is dedicated to supporting and equipping Florida’s law enforcement through support and training – and you can be part of that mission. By supporting the FSA or becoming a member, you help to make programs such as the Commanders Academy a reality. Learn more about how you can get involved or become a member today.

About the Florida Sheriffs Association

Founded in 1893, the Florida Sheriffs Association was established to unite Florida’s sheriffs in advancing public safety, shaping legislation and fostering collaboration among law enforcement agencies. Over the decades, FSA has grown into a powerful advocate for law enforcement, providing training, resources and support to ensure the protection and security of Florida’s communities.

The Florida Sheriffs Association will help you to stay informed on the latest law enforcement initiatives, public safety updates and the work of Florida’s sheriffs. From in-depth blogs to legislative news and community programs, we keep you connected to the issues that matter. Explore more at flsheriffs.org and stay engaged with Florida’s law enforcement community.