Public Safety Leadership Certificate Program - Safe Communities Institute (SCI)

Safe Communities Institute (SCI)

Public safety in the 21st century requires a holistic approach. Effective leadership and collaboration between public safety disciplines is essential to meet the complex challenges facing society today.

The Public Safety Leadership Certificate Program provides students with a solutions-centered approach to public safety by adopting a multidisciplinary and “whole-of-community” methodology.

The PSLP course is divided into four modules:

  • Leadership – Collaborative leadership, negotiation, ethics, conflict resolution, governance, metrics, employee wellness, emergency management, crisis communication and case studies.
  • Global Threats – Terrorism, gangs, human/sex trafficking, drug cartels, intelligence, emerging threats and hate crimes.
  • Technology – Cybersecurity and open-source intelligence, social media, cyber-crimes, drones, and artificial intelligence.
  • Community Engagement – Mental health, homelessness, civil rights/liberties, working with marginalized groups, community/gang intervention and outreach strategies.

Martin Figueroa
Testimonial: “In law enforcement today, good leaders require innovative, creative and cutting-edge solutions to solve complex problems. The course of study in the PSLP provided me with the academic foundation, tools and resources to take on these challenges. Upon completing this program, I was able to present new approaches and methodologies to my officers that reduced recidivism, improved community engagement and helped to reduce crime.” — Martin Figueroa, Parole Agent Supervisor, CA Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation
Testimonial: “The PSLP gave me deeper insight and discussions on implicit bias, racism, community relations, vulnerable populations and police misconduct. The experience has strongly driven me to do more charitable work with Asian-American NPOs, and it also reminded me of the reason I first became interested in law enforcement, to influence positive change within the field.” — Sgt. Jason Chao, El Monte Police Department

Next Course Offering: Fall 2025

Program Dates TBD. To be notified when they are announced, please subscribe to our newsletter on the homepage


Admission Requirements

SCI invites applications from students with public safety backgrounds, including law enforcement, fire, EMS, health, social work, and education, as well as from local, state, and federal agencies. Admission is selective and based on professional achievement and organizational responsibility. Applying to this program requires completion of an online application. The cost to attend in person is $5,500 per student. The program fee covers tuition, parking, breakfast and materials.

Click here to apply. For questions, please e-mail [email protected].

SCI Black History Month Spotlight - Dr. Erroll G. Southers - Thank you, Dr. Southers, for your dedicated work in enhancing safety and security in our communities. Read more.

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