Hiram Police Chief Takes Training for New Heads of Law Enforcement Agencies

Hiram Police Chief Todd A. VandeZande attended the Chief Executive Training Class for newly appointed chiefs of police and heads of law enforcement agencies at the Dr. Curtis E. McClung Training Center in Duluth, from Sept. 23 through Oct. 2. The 60-hour course, administered and provided by the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police (GACP), is required by state law for all newly appointed heads of law enforcement agencies. 

The curriculum is designed to give newly appointed law enforcement administrators and command staff personnel training on police management, as well as inform them of laws and policies affecting their departments. Topics covered in the course include: Managerial Liability and E.E.O.C. Laws, Police Manpower Allocation & Staffing, Community Policing, Budget Administration, Political & Practical Realities, Office & Role of the Police Chief, Evolution of Ethics, Media Relations, Departmental Organization, Employee Selection Process, Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Overview, Promotional Systems, United States Department of Justice Programs, Leadership/Management Role of the Chief, Employee Performance & Employee Discipline, Legislative Process along with other timely topics.

"Georgia law enforcement agencies continue to provide the best level of service to the citizens they serve, even in these challenging times,” said GACP President David Lyons of the Garden City Police Department. 

"Having the new agency CEO’s and Command Staff personnel participate in this program provides a road map to discuss innovative ways to address their community’s needs”.

According to city manager Robert T. Rokovitz, “The City of Hiram takes a very progressive stance when it comes to professional development.  

“Chief VandeZande’s role requires a tremendous degree of critical thinking and decision-making skills, and his education is paramount in insuring citizens are served in a professional, ethical and standardized manner,” continued Rokovitz.

Chief VandeZande was among 47 law enforcement administrators attending the course.  The GACP provides the executive training for newly appointed heads of law enforcement agencies and command staff personnel twice a year, along with several other training programs throughout the state. It is the largest professional association for law enforcement administrators in Georgia, and one of the largest in the country. The membership of more than 1,700 includes executives representing municipal and county law enforcement agencies, college and university police departments, corporate and private security firms and numerous state and federal agencies.