Seminar Title
Leadership Skills for Today’s Jail/Correctional Officers
Dates of Events
12/14/2026 through 12/15/2026
Last Updated: 09/09/2026
Instructor(s): Rick Baker
Location: South Texas College Regional Center for Public Safety Excellence - 3901 S. Cage Blvd., Pharr, TX 78577
Hotel: Courtyard by Marriott McAllen Airport - 2131 South 10th St., McAllen, TX 78503
Course Registration Fee: $325
Instructor Bio
Rick Baker
Rick Baker, Lieutenant (Retired)
Putnam County Sheriff’s Office – Cookeville, Tennessee
Rick Baker retired as a Lieutenant from the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office in Cookeville, Tennessee. During his 27-year law enforcement career, he supervised Corrections, Patrol, Training, and SWAT operations, while also providing specialized training to agencies across the country.
Rick has extensive experience teaching and lecturing for law enforcement professionals, including officers, court clerks, court officers, and elected officials. He has presented at numerous national and state conferences and has been called upon as an expert witness in several court cases.
He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Lee University and a Master’s degree in Criminal Justice Management from Columbus University. Rick also maintains numerous instructor, training, and specialized certifications.
Throughout his career, Rick has coordinated training programs including Academy instruction, Instructor Development, Ethics, and Leadership. He previously served as President of the Tennessee Law Enforcement Training Officers Association.
Rick currently serves as the National Training Director for the Legal and Liability Risk Management Institute (LLRMI).
Rick Baker, Lieutenant (Retired)
Putnam County Sheriff’s Office – Cookeville, Tennessee
Rick Baker retired as a Lieutenant from the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office in Cookeville, Tennessee. During his 27-year law enforcement career, he supervised Corrections, Patrol, Training, and SWAT operations, while also providing specialized training to agencies across the country.
Rick has extensive experience teaching and lecturing for law enforcement professionals, including officers, court clerks, court officers, and elected officials. He has presented at numerous national and state conferences and has been called upon as an expert witness in several court cases.
He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Lee University and a Master’s degree in Criminal Justice Management from Columbus University. Rick also maintains numerous instructor, training, and specialized certifications.
Throughout his career, Rick has coordinated training programs including Academy instruction, Instructor Development, Ethics, and Leadership. He previously served as President of the Tennessee Law Enforcement Training Officers Association.
Rick currently serves as the National Training Director for the Legal and Liability Risk Management Institute (LLRMI).
Course Objectives
Course Overview:
This course provides correctional supervisors and leaders with the essential knowledge, skills, and strategies to lead effectively in a high-risk custodial environment. Emphasis is placed on leadership fundamentals, decision-making, liability reduction, staff accountability, and ethical leadership.
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
1. Define effective leadership and distinguish between a manager and a leader
2. Identify key leadership traits and apply them in a corrections setting
3. Demonstrate decision-making strategies in high-risk situations
4. Recognize leadership liabilities and apply prevention strategies
5. Apply appropriate leadership styles based on situations and personnel
6. Utilize coaching and corrective action effectively
7. Implement policy and procedures with accountability
8. Strengthen staff morale, motivation, and ethical conduct
9. Evaluate the impact of their leadership on organizational culture and safety
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
1. Define effective leadership and distinguish between a manager and a leader
2. Identify key leadership traits and apply them in a corrections setting
3. Demonstrate decision-making strategies in high-risk situations
4. Recognize leadership liabilities and apply prevention strategies
5. Apply appropriate leadership styles based on situations and personnel
6. Utilize coaching and corrective action effectively
7. Implement policy and procedures with accountability
8. Strengthen staff morale, motivation, and ethical conduct
9. Evaluate the impact of their leadership on organizational culture and safety