Experiences of Law Enforcement Officers in an Emotional and Belief Intelligence Leadership Training: A Consensual Qualitative Report

Abstract

Emotional intelligence-based leadership training may be beneficial for law enforcement in their personal and professional development. The goal of this study was to qualitatively explore the experiences participants reported as a result of the My Life My Power (MLMP) Tactical Leadership Training (TLT). The MLMP TLT is designed to incorporate emotional-intelligence and belief-intelligence constructs into training delivery of law enforcement professionals with the goal of increasing positive outcomes for law enforcement and the communities they serve. The researchers conducted interviews with seven participants who had completed the MLMP training as part of their professional development. The researchers coded emerging themes from the interviews, including experience-oriented themes and outcome-oriented themes. Evaluation of the MLMP program is provided based on participants’ responses. The researchers offer implications for professional development programming for law enforcement working with students and juveniles in community and school settings.

Keywords:

• Leadership
• emotional intelligence
• law enforcement
• professional development

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

Research funded in part by Atlanta-Carolina’s High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (AC-HIDTA) and My Life My Power (MLMP) funded by the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) of the White House Executive Offices.

Notes on contributors

Jennifer K. Niles

Jennifer K. Niles, M. A., is a doctoral candidate of Counselor Education and Supervision in the School of Education at William & Mary. Her research areas include school counseling, program evaluation, contemplative practices, and facilitating protective factors for practitioners and clients.

Allison T. Dukes

Allison T. Dukes, M. Ed., is a doctoral candidate of Counselor Education and Supervision in the School of Education at William & Mary. Her research areas include family counseling, correctional counseling, and fostering hope.

Patrick R. Mullen

Patrick R. Mullen, PhD., is an associate professor of counselor education in the School of Education at William & Mary. His research includes a focus on school counseling, counselor education and supervision, and stress and burnout among counselors.

Corrinia D. Goode

Corrinia D. Goode, M. Ed., is a counselor in the state of Virginia with expertise in clinical mental health and military and veteran's counseling. Her research includes program evaluation, school-based programming, and hope.

Samantha K. Jensen

Samantha K. Jensen, M. Ed., is a school counselor in the state of Florida. Her research includes program evaluation, school-based programming, and mindfulness.