First Line Supervision Course

This 80-hour course will begin Monday, September 16, 2024 with 3 days instruction in a retreat setting. Learners are required to stay on location. This is followed by 3 days of facilitated distance learning on September 24 - 26, 2024, and 4 days of classroom instruction on October 1 - 4, 2024 at the Eaton County Sheriff’s Office in Charlotte, MI.

The instructional format is problem-based learning (PBL) – the next generation in law enforcement training. PBL is defined as a “teaching or training method characterized by the use of ‘real world’ problems as a context for individuals to learn critical thinking and problem solving skills and acquire knowledge. It involves both knowing and doing.” (Lepinski) Another definition is “an instructional method in which the teacher builds instruction around a practical problem and encourages pupils to discuss the problem in small groups, with an aim to cultivate active learning, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills among them.” (Lahden) The instructor provides the learning environment and then relinquishes spotlight and allows the student to learn the material at their own pace and through the method that works best for him/her. The instructor switches from instruction, where they provide the material, to facilitation, during which time the facilitator guides the student through learning and understanding.

The cadre of facilitators for this course includes: Cindy Herfert, Lieutenant (Retired) Flint Police Department; Captain Rick Grillo, Meridian Township Police Department; Lieutenant Bart Crane, Meridian Township Police Department; Bryan Pizzuti, Lieutenant Bloomfield Township Police Department, and June Werdlow-Rogers (retired) DEA SAC. The facilitators have successfully completed the 400-hour MSU School of Staff and Command and are familiar with the problem-based learning format in addition to their individual expertise in various course topics.

Tuition cost is $1375. Includes meals and lodging for 3 days of retreat as well as break refreshments for 4 classroom days at the Eaton County Sheriff’s Office, all handouts and access to D2L—MSU’s online learning management system.

For more information please contact Cindy Herfert at 517-355-2197 or by email at
herfertc@msu.edu.

This course is MCOLES approved for 302 funds and SNC approved for 911 dispatch training funds. 

Participants must have access to a computer and a webcam. Click here to review recommended browsers and computers supported by Michigan State University’s on-line learning management software, Desire 2 Learn (D2L).

• Registration Information

  Registration Information

  Fall 2024 Course Brochure available HERE.

  Problem based learning requires a smaller class size than traditional classroom instruction. All participants must be registered prior to the first day of class. Participants will be accepted on a first come, first served basis.

  If you are a currently enrolled graduate or upper level undergraduate student at Michigan State University and will be enrolling for academic credit (3 credits), contact traincj@msu.edu (please expect a response to email inquiries within 48hrs.) or call 517-355-2197 for additional information.

  If you are not a currently enrolled graduate or undergraduate student at Michigan State University and would like to receive information on obtaining Michigan State University Lifelong Education academic credits, visit the MSU RO: Lifelong Education web page.

  This course is MCOLES approved for 302 funds and SNC approved for 911 dispatch training funds.  MCOLES certification is available to Michigan residents. Continuing Education Unit (CEU) credits are available upon successful completion of the 80-hour course.

• Facilitators

  Lieutenant Bart Crane

  Lieutenant Bart Crane has served with the Meridian Township Police Department since 1999, and previously worked for the Western Michigan University Police Department. He graduated from Western Michigan University in 1996 with a Bachelor Degree in Science and is working towards a Master Degree in Business Administration. Lieutenant Crane is currently assigned as the Uniform Division Commander. He has served as Detective Sergeant, Patrol Sergeant, Investigator, Field Training Officer, Motorcycle Officer, and in many other roles.

  Contact Info: Not Yet Provided
  
  

  Lieutenant (retired) Cindy Herfert

  Cindy Herfert serves as an Outreach Academic Specialist for the Michigan State University School of Criminal Justice, providing in-service trainings to police officers and military personnel from across the United States. Cindy holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from MSU. Cindy is a graduate of the 10^th MSU School of Staff and Command class. Cindy joined the Flint Police Department in 1994 and was promoted to Sergeant in 1998. In 2014 Cindy was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant for the Patrol Division and the Traffic Division. Cindy retired from the Flint Police Department in 2015. Cindy held a variety of positions during her career, including; uniform patrol, undercover narcotics, gang investigation, homicide investigation, planning and budgeting, and community policing.

  Contact Info: herfertc@msu.edu

  Lieutenant Bryan Pizzuti

  Lieutenant Bryan Pizzuti has served with the Bloomfield Township Police Department since 2000. Bryan holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from St. Vincent College and a Master of Science in Social Work from the University of Pittsburgh. Aside from being a patrol officer, he was assigned to the FBI Violent Gang / Violent Crimes Task Force. He is currently a department trainer/instructor in Use of Force, De-Escalation, and Critical-Thinking. In April 2017 Bryan was promoted the rank of Sergeant where he served in the Investigations and Patrol Unit. In December 2018, Bryan was promoted to Lieutenant where he currently supervises day shift patrol.

  Contact Info: Not Yet Provided
  

  June Werdlow Rogers

  June Werdlow Rogers is a dedicated crime-fighter. She earned a PhD in Criminal Justice and Criminology from the University of Maryland and after serving 28 years in in law enforcement (local and federal), she retired as DEA's New England Special Agent in Charge in 2008. Since then, she has authored several books including Cracking the Double Standard Code and Now Hiring Criminal Justice Professionals and focuses on educating criminal justice professionals. From speaking at national conferences or in college classrooms to writing published works, Dr. Rogers’ goal is always preventing victimization and offending as reflected in her latest work with The Youth Connection entitled The Boss of me is Me (2016), an interactive notebook designed to help teens live crime-free.

  Contact Info: Not Yet Provided

   

• Syllabus
  Syllabus available HERE.