Law enforcement leadership is evolving. In 2025, police chiefs, sheriffs, and command staff face a rapidly changing landscape shaped by advancing technology, evolving public expectations, and the ongoing need to build trust, resilience and inclusivity within their agencies.
The “25 on 2025: A Police Leadership Playbook,” sponsored by the University of San Diego, offers practical insights and strategies to help leaders navigate these challenges. Created by experts and practitioners, this guide equips you with actionable tools to strengthen your team, serve your community and prepare for what’s next.
To get your free copy, complete the Download this Police1 Resource box.
Download the playbook to uncover:
- Leadership roadmaps: Learn how to address 25 critical areas, including officer wellness, recruitment and community engagement.
- Technology insights: Discover how innovations like AI, drones and real time crime centers are reshaping public safety.
- Practical solutions: Apply actionable strategies designed to enhance your department’s performance and build public trust.
- Future-ready advice: Gain foresight into the trends and challenges that will define law enforcement in the years ahead.
Who is this playbook for?
Whether you’re a chief, sheriff, command staff member, or a patrol officer looking to advance your career, the “25 on 2025" playbook is designed for leaders at every level. It’s for those ready to tackle today’s challenges and build a safer, stronger future for their teams, their communities and themselves. This playbook is designed to help you:
- Address pressing issues like officer retention, recruitment and organizational culture.
- Strengthen relationships with the communities you serve through transparency and collaboration.
- Stay ahead of technological advancements and ensure your agency is prepared for the future.
To get your free copy, complete the Download this Police1 Resource box.
What’s inside the playbook?
We address 25 critical law enforcement topics:
- Acute Behavioral Emergencies by Dr. Mike Levy: Managing collaboration between law enforcement and EMS.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) by Dennis Chornenky: Ensuring ethical and effective AI use in policing.
- Campus Policing by Chief Paul M. Cell (Ret.): Addressing bias-based violence and emerging threats.
- Civilian Executives in Law Enforcement – Assistant Commissioner Elizabeth M. Daitz: Integrating civilian expertise into leadership.
- Civil Unrest by Steven A. Sund: Preparing for and managing protests with trust and safety in mind.
- Cognitive Bias Training by Lieutenant Brian Sunderman: Reducing bias in high-stress decision-making.
- Community Engagement by Dr. Tarrick McGuire: Building trust and accountability with communities.
- Community Policing by Deputy Chief Emada Tingirides: Empowering neighborhoods to play an active role in safety.
- Data-Driven Policing by Chief Rachel Tolber: Using accurate and contextualized data to drive decisions.
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) by Captain Stephanie Flores: Promoting inclusivity within departments.
- Drones as First Responders by Lieutenant Abrem Ayana: Leveraging technology while addressing privacy concerns.
- Fleet Management by Chief Dave Norris: Transitioning to electric vehicles for sustainability.
- Foot Patrol by Jerry Ratcliffe, Crime Reduction Strategist: Deploying strategies to enhance public trust and crime prevention.
- Grant Funding by Marcy Calnan, J.D., Grant Specialist: Securing resources for innovation and community-focused programs.
- Human Performance Science by Dr. Melis Yilmaz Balban: Training officers in stress management and resilience.
- Internal Communications by Chief Roxana Kennedy: Fostering transparency and morale within departments.
- Leadership Training by Chief Scott Hughes: Creating leadership programs that inspire trust and enhance performance.
- Next-Generation 911 by Scott L. Brillman: Harnessing advanced tools for situational awareness.
- Officer Wellness by Chief Kevin M. Lynch: Prioritizing mental and physical health to improve performance.
- Operational Excellence by Chief John Letteney: Optimizing processes with data-driven insights.
- Organizational Culture by Chief Doreen Jokerst: Cultivating accountability and inclusivity within agencies.
- Real-Time Crime Centers by Andrea Cortez: Enhancing situational awareness and response.
- Recruitment by Chief Troy M. Weisler: Developing innovative strategies to attract the next generation of officers.
- Technology by Deputy Chief John McMahon: Balancing usability and long-term sustainability in law enforcement tools.
- Women in Law Enforcement by Chief Gina Hawkins: Advancing representation and leadership opportunities