A multifaceted profession, policing is much more than the act of enforcing the law. Building strong relationships with local communities and understanding regulatory policy can pose a challenging and even intimidating task for some officers. To navigate the complexities of modern law enforcement, additional education is paramount. Beyond the traditional realm of law enforcement, officers are increasingly recognizing the importance of honing skills in leadership, conflict resolution and public budgeting. This recognition underscores the profound shift in the industry, which enables officers to further contribute to the well-being of their communities through continuous learning and professional growth.
Recognizing the benefit of advanced degrees, Broward Sherriff's Office (BSO) collaborated with Lynn University to create a specialized Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.) program. While last year marked the graduation of the inaugural cohort, this year, BSO and Lynn celebrated the accomplishments of cohort II, spotlighting the program's distinct contributions to the professional development of BSO officers.
Lynn's M.P.A. program is designed specifically for BSO officers to impart advanced skills that enable officers to build positive and effective relationships with the communities they serve. By incorporating real-life events and scenarios into their teachings, the program aims to equip officers with the knowledge and insights needed to navigate complex community dynamics.
Cohort II
This year, cohort II, consisting of six dedicated BSO officers, met weekly as they embarked on an educational journey to further their leadership skills. The officers diligently studied topics ranging from leadership principles to public budgeting and regulatory policy. On Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2023, the culmination of their efforts was celebrated with a graduation ceremony held at BSO, where they proudly received their M.P.A. degrees.
Ernest Gonder, a recent graduate of cohort II and a former lieutenant for BSO, reflected on his experience, "It was a wonderful program. The topics were interesting, and the professors used real-life events to enlighten us on the subject matter," said Gonder. "The professors were patient and understanding about our work and family lives. I can proudly say that I've obtained my undergraduate and graduate degrees from what I consider to be one of the best colleges in existence—Lynn University."
Balancing work and family responsibilities always proves to be a delicate juggling act. Adding the goal of earning a graduate degree to the equation can be an overwhelming thought.
"It was a difficult journey," said Major Timothy Irvin II, another graduate from cohort II. "I couldn't be prouder of myself and my fellow officers for staying the course to earn our M.P.A. degrees."
Lynn's Director of Graduate and Online Admission, Steve Pruitt, emphasized the significance of this tailor-made program, "This special program was built specifically for BSO to help them further their education and careers," said Pruitt. "We could not be more honored to play this role in supporting these dedicated officers on their educational journey."
A testament to the success and demand for the program, cohort III already began in August 2023. The new cohort, consisting of 10 officers, is notable for being composed entirely of women.
Colonel Steve Robson '22 graduated from cohort I and collaborated with Pruitt to create this custom M.P.A. program.
"So many officers feel confident in the law enforcement aspect of the job," said Robson. "However, in this cohort model we helped create with Lynn, it allows officers to broaden their skill sets in important categories including leadership, public budgeting, regulatory policy and government ethics."
This collaborative effort with BSO exemplifies Lynn's commitment to providing practicing professionals with accessible opportunities for education, career development, and the pursuit of excellence. These collaborations not only make it easier for officers to return to school but also contribute to the advancement of law enforcement practices, ensuring officers are well-equipped for the challenges of today and tomorrow in their field.
"Fellow officers in the program and I recognized the value of incorporating on-duty scenarios into our studies," said Irvin II. "This hands-on approach not only enhanced our understanding of the material but also provided us with valuable insights that we immediately implemented into our roles as officers. It was a dynamic way to bridge the gap between theory and practice, making our educational journey even more impactful to our day-to-day responsibilities."
For more information about Lynn's M.P.A. program, visit lynn.edu/mpa.
