Executive Program

A seasoned prosecutor, John R. Justice, wrote to a newly elected prosecutor, Ed Clements, urging him to attend the Executive Program, the college’s premier course:

“This is the only program that I am aware of presented by the college, the National Advocacy Center or any other organization designed to assist the elected prosecutor in confronting the many challenges of the office that go beyond the normal prosecutorial functions. The program is a must for first term prosecutors. I only wish that I had known of the program more than 20 years ago when I was in a position that you are today.

Although open to prosecutors regardless of experience, and quite a few experienced prosecutors return for refresher training, the program is particularly tailored to the newly elected prosecutor and the chief deputies who have reason to believe that they may ascend to the position in the near future.

The program is the best expenditure of training dollars that you can make this year . . .”

The Executive Program is rapidly approaching its 30th anniversary. The Executive Program, which the college offers to the elected/appointed prosecutor and top policy level assistants, was established in 1973. It was first conducted in Houston, Texas, and was two weeks long. Now, the course runs from Saturday through the following Wednesday morning, ensuring that the prosecutor is not out of the office for an inordinate amount of time. The Executive Program is exclusively designed for the elected or appointed prosecutor and first assistants with policy-making authority, and it concentrates on their leadership roles within the office and the criminal justice system.

Areas explored during the Executive Program include: prosecutor office management; the prosecutor’s public image; leadership skills; relationships with other participants in the criminal justice system as well as the community at large; employment law and practices; policy development and implementation; budgeting; liability and professional responsibility issues, and effective prosecution programs. During a leadership forum, the attendees exchange ideas on current issues. The course features faculty presentations followed by executive discussion workshop sessions.

The Executive Program is offered once a year. This year, it will be conducted in Monterey, California, October 12-16, 2002.