The sheriff of Livingston County recently completed specialized leadership development training.

Sheriff Mike Murphy completed participation in the 113th session of the National Sheriff's Institute (NSI) held in Aurora, Colorado for one week in September. He got to have the experience at no cost to local taxpayers as the program is co-sponsored by the National Institute of Corrections and the National Sheriffs' Association.

The program allows first-term sheriffs to train and network with others from across the country on contemporary challenges facing law enforcement today. It further explores providing effective leadership for the public good in the areas of public safety, criminal justice system policy, community relations and organization effectiveness and efficiency. NSI Director of Professional Development Hilary Burgess said “Sheriff Murphy is a leader with a vision for the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office”.

Murphy tells WHMI it was a phenomenal opportunity and what he found interesting was that a lot of the issues are the same around the country when it comes to law enforcement struggling with opiate abuse, mental health issues and a lack of resources for those with mental health issues. Murphy says those were the two most common themes but he also referenced all of the issues that come with operating a jail – which is one thing that makes a sheriff’s office unique outside of regular law enforcement.

Murphy says the program also forced participants to do a lot of introspective learning and looking to realize their personal strengths and weaknesses but also those of the community and organization. Murphy said it’s not always easy and can sometimes be tough to admit you have deficiencies or weaknesses in certain areas but ultimately if you do recognize those, then you can incorporate that into a leadership development plan and provide the best service to the community.

The NSI is the only National Executive development program designed for sheriffs so Murphy says he was fortunate to be chosen and joined 29 others at the session. Murphy is the first sheriff of Livingston County to graduate from the NSI. (JM)