First Line Supervision Course
This 80-hour course will begin Monday, September 29, 2025 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
October 6 - 8, 2025, and 4 days of classroom instruction on October 14 - 17, 2025 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: Jim Craig, Captain (Retired) Lenawee County Sheriff's Office; Captain Bart Crane, Meridian Township Police Department; Captain Bryan Pizzuti, Bloomfield Township Police Department, Lieutenant Katrina Herrington, Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office, 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 Jim Craig at 517-355-2197 or by email at craigja4@msu.edu or visit https://cj.msu.edu/community/fls.html.
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).