Notes from the National College

By Teresa M. DeToma, Assistant Director of Programs

OF ALL THE COURSES offered by the National College of District Attorneys, the Executive Program is the college's premier course, exclusively designed for the top leaders in the prosecutor's office. This annual program was first presented in 1973 and will be held this year at the Kingston Plantation in Myrde Beach, South Carolina, September 30-October 4, 2005.

The Executive Program was created specifically for the elected/appointed official and the first assistant at the policy level. This unique course is geared toward those who have the pleasure and responsibility of leading their prosecuting attorney's office. The program familiarizes or reacquaints these officials with the legal, ethical and practical aspects of their distinctive leadership positions.

The course provides a forum conducive to communicating with and learning from fellow colleagues. The program features lectures, workshops and group discussions that encourage the participants to share their successful ideas and techniques with one another. Topics offered during the program include: the prosecutor's public image; relationships with other members in the criminal justice system as well as the community at large; office management; personnel law and practices; policy development and implementation; liability and professional responsibility; effective prosecution programs; and leadership.

The course is a must for newly elected or appointed prosecutors, for prosecutors who have never attended the course or for prosecutors who have attended but need an "update." The course also offers the opportimity to impart their views with less experienced prosecutors. This is just a glimpse of the exciting areas that will be explored at the 2005 Executive Program. The tips and strategies discussed will remind participants why the National College has a 36-year history of excellence in training America's prosecutors. Please join the college this fall in Myrtle Beach for another motivating course.