Lompoc Police Chief Kevin Martin has successfully completed Session 8 of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s National Command Course (NCC), an elite executive leadership program designed specifically for leaders of smaller law enforcement agencies.
The session was held May 18-22, 2025, in Woodbridge, Virginia.
Developed by the FBI in 2020, the National Command Course was created to address a gap in strategic leadership training opportunities for executives leading smaller law enforcement agencies.
With more than 80 percent of law enforcement agencies nationwide employing fewer than 50 sworn officers, the program provides accessible, high-level leadership development for chiefs and sheriffs who may face staffing and budget limitations that make participation in longer executive programs difficult, officials said.
“Participating in the FBI National Command Course was an outstanding opportunity to learn from nationally recognized experts and collaborate with fellow law enforcement executives from across the country,” said Chief Martin.
“The knowledge, leadership strategies, and professional relationships gained through this experience will directly benefit our department and the community we serve,” he said.
The National Command Course is a highly selective, nomination-only program that graduates about 100 law enforcement executives each year. Eligibility is limited to chief executives of domestic law enforcement agencies with fewer than 50 sworn personnel who have not previously graduated from the FBI National Academy, National Executive Institute (NEI), or Law Enforcement Executive Development Seminar (LEEDS).
During Session 8, Chief Martin joined law enforcement leaders from across the U.S. for intensive instruction and collaboration focused on contemporary challenges facing public safety organizations. Key areas of study included strategic leadership, image management, and officer wellness.
The strategic leadership component focused on developing effective approaches to guide organizations through evolving public safety environments and emerging challenges.
Image management training emphasized strengthening public trust through communication, community engagement, media relations, and organizational transparency.
The officer wellness curriculum addressed strategies to promote the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of law enforcement professionals while fostering resilient organizational cultures.
The National Command Course is designed to strengthen relationships between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve, enhance collaboration among departments, and improve public safety through innovative leadership practices and professional networking.