Seminar Title
Mastering the Leadership Challenges of Law Enforcement
Dates of Events
03/22/2027 through 03/26/2027
Last Updated: 11/12/2026
Instructor(s): Brian Batterton, Steven Kellams, Rick Baker
Location: Lloyd B. Johnson Law Enforcement Center - 947 Cambridge Drive, LaPlace, LA 70068
Hotel: Holiday Inn Express - 4284 Highway 51, LaPlace, LA 70068
Course Registration Fee: $550
Instructor Bio
Brian Batterton
Brian S. Batterton MAJOR (Retired), COBB COUNTY, GA POLICE DEPARTMENT, ATTORNEY Expert Witness Categories: Use of Force | Deadly Force | Officer Involved Shooting Law Enforcement Policies – Tactics | Procedures / Pursuits / School Related Issues
Brian Batterton is an attorney in the State of Georgia and a Major (Retired) with the Cobb County Police Department. He currently serves in the position of Legal Officer for the Cobb County Police Department. He has been in law enforcement since 1994 and obtained his Juris Doctorate in 1999 from John Marshall Law School in Atlanta. He has served in Uniform Patrol, Investigations, Training (as an instructor and as the Director), Adjutant/Legal Officer to the Chief, and as precinct commander and on-scene Incident Commander. In addition to his work at the police department, he also lectures for the Legal and Liability Risk Management Institute (LLRMI) on both criminal law and procedure topics, as well as, police civil liability. He has also served in both the Alabama and Georgia National Guard.
Steven Kellams
Steven Kellams retired in 2019 as the Administrative Captain for the Bloomington Police Department in Bloomington Indiana. Captain Kellams attended Indiana University from 1987 to 1991. In 1989, he graduated from the Indiana University Police Academy. In 1991, he was hired by the Bloomington Police Department and was assigned to night shift. After spending 10 years as a night shift patrol officer, Captain Kellams was promoted to Sergeant, and then Lieutenant. His final position with the department was as the Administrative Captain, responsible for a number of duties including internal affairs, public information, and CALEA Accreditation. During his time at the department, he served as a breath-test operator, bike patrol officer, field training officer, and senior field training officer. Captain Kellams has also served as a Patrol Supervisor, Detective Supervisor, Civil Disturbance Unit Commander, Motor Unit Supervisor, Field Training Manager, Field Training Coordinator, Special Investigation Unit Supervisor, and Public Information Officer.
In 2000, Captain Kellams was instrumental in redesigning the field training program for the Bloomington Police Department and has taught that program to hundreds of departments throughout the United States. He has also instructed on field training issues at the national level when he presented two courses at the 2002 National Association of Field Training Officers Conference. He also presented courses for NAFTO in 2008, 2010, and 2011. In 2000, he was elected state director for the Indiana Chapter of the National Association of Field Training Officers. He also served on the NAFTO National Executive Board and served as President of the board in 2009.
Captain Kellams was awarded the Monroe County Officer of the Year Award in 2005 for his work with the Bloomington Police Department Field Training Program.
In 2020 Captain Kellams started Blue Canary, a podcast for police officers. Tired of having other people tell our stories, Captain Kellams started Blue Canary to provide a voice for police officers everywhere to share their stories, thoughts, and ideas regarding all topics in law enforcement.
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).
Brian S. Batterton MAJOR (Retired), COBB COUNTY, GA POLICE DEPARTMENT, ATTORNEY Expert Witness Categories: Use of Force | Deadly Force | Officer Involved Shooting Law Enforcement Policies – Tactics | Procedures / Pursuits / School Related Issues
Brian Batterton is an attorney in the State of Georgia and a Major (Retired) with the Cobb County Police Department. He currently serves in the position of Legal Officer for the Cobb County Police Department. He has been in law enforcement since 1994 and obtained his Juris Doctorate in 1999 from John Marshall Law School in Atlanta. He has served in Uniform Patrol, Investigations, Training (as an instructor and as the Director), Adjutant/Legal Officer to the Chief, and as precinct commander and on-scene Incident Commander. In addition to his work at the police department, he also lectures for the Legal and Liability Risk Management Institute (LLRMI) on both criminal law and procedure topics, as well as, police civil liability. He has also served in both the Alabama and Georgia National Guard.
Steven Kellams
Steven Kellams retired in 2019 as the Administrative Captain for the Bloomington Police Department in Bloomington Indiana. Captain Kellams attended Indiana University from 1987 to 1991. In 1989, he graduated from the Indiana University Police Academy. In 1991, he was hired by the Bloomington Police Department and was assigned to night shift. After spending 10 years as a night shift patrol officer, Captain Kellams was promoted to Sergeant, and then Lieutenant. His final position with the department was as the Administrative Captain, responsible for a number of duties including internal affairs, public information, and CALEA Accreditation. During his time at the department, he served as a breath-test operator, bike patrol officer, field training officer, and senior field training officer. Captain Kellams has also served as a Patrol Supervisor, Detective Supervisor, Civil Disturbance Unit Commander, Motor Unit Supervisor, Field Training Manager, Field Training Coordinator, Special Investigation Unit Supervisor, and Public Information Officer.
In 2000, Captain Kellams was instrumental in redesigning the field training program for the Bloomington Police Department and has taught that program to hundreds of departments throughout the United States. He has also instructed on field training issues at the national level when he presented two courses at the 2002 National Association of Field Training Officers Conference. He also presented courses for NAFTO in 2008, 2010, and 2011. In 2000, he was elected state director for the Indiana Chapter of the National Association of Field Training Officers. He also served on the NAFTO National Executive Board and served as President of the board in 2009.
Captain Kellams was awarded the Monroe County Officer of the Year Award in 2005 for his work with the Bloomington Police Department Field Training Program.
In 2020 Captain Kellams started Blue Canary, a podcast for police officers. Tired of having other people tell our stories, Captain Kellams started Blue Canary to provide a voice for police officers everywhere to share their stories, thoughts, and ideas regarding all topics in law enforcement.
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).
Course Objectives
Course Overview:
Leadership in law enforcement has never been more challenging—or more important. Today’s law enforcement leaders must navigate increasing public scrutiny, evolving workforce expectations, complex legal requirements, and rapidly changing organizational environments. Effective leadership requires more than authority; it demands professionalism, ethical decision-making, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous growth.
This course is designed for current and aspiring law enforcement leaders who are committed to developing their leadership capabilities and positively influencing their organizations. Participants will explore proven leadership principles, supervisory responsibilities, organizational dynamics, and practical strategies for leading with integrity and effectiveness.
Through discussion, reflection, and real-world application, attendees will strengthen their ability to motivate others, manage challenges, and foster a culture of accountability and excellence.
Course Objectives
Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be able to:
· Recognize the critical need for effective leadership in modern law enforcement organizations
· Understand that leadership skills, traits, and behaviors are developed through learning, experience, and intentional practice rather than being solely innate characteristics
· Identify the legal, organizational, and workforce-related factors that establish boundaries and expectations for contemporary supervisors and leaders.
· Develop a greater understanding of personality differences, including individual strengths, weaknesses, motivations, priorities, and fears to improve communication and leadership effectiveness
· Examine various leadership theories and styles and determine their appropriate application based on organizational needs, situations, and workforce dynamics
· Understand how generational and cultural differences influence workplace expectations, communication, and organizational effectiveness
· Recognize the human dynamics associated with organizational change and apply strategies to successfully lead, manage, and implement change initiatives
· Effectively address and supervise toxic or underperforming employees whose behaviors negatively impact morale, performance, organizational culture, and agency liability
· Apply practical leadership development strategies and daily habits that promote continuous growth and enhance leadership effectiveness
· Understand supervisory responsibilities related to risk management, accountability, and liability reduction while improving employee performance and organizational outcomes
· Conduct and manage citizen complaints professionally, including complaint intake, investigation, resolution, and referral procedures when appropriate
· Identify and demonstrate the characteristics of exceptional leaders, including accountability, strong work ethic, integrity, goal setting, and commitment to organizational success
This course is designed for current and aspiring law enforcement leaders who are committed to developing their leadership capabilities and positively influencing their organizations. Participants will explore proven leadership principles, supervisory responsibilities, organizational dynamics, and practical strategies for leading with integrity and effectiveness.
Through discussion, reflection, and real-world application, attendees will strengthen their ability to motivate others, manage challenges, and foster a culture of accountability and excellence.
Course Objectives
Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be able to:
· Recognize the critical need for effective leadership in modern law enforcement organizations
· Understand that leadership skills, traits, and behaviors are developed through learning, experience, and intentional practice rather than being solely innate characteristics
· Identify the legal, organizational, and workforce-related factors that establish boundaries and expectations for contemporary supervisors and leaders.
· Develop a greater understanding of personality differences, including individual strengths, weaknesses, motivations, priorities, and fears to improve communication and leadership effectiveness
· Examine various leadership theories and styles and determine their appropriate application based on organizational needs, situations, and workforce dynamics
· Understand how generational and cultural differences influence workplace expectations, communication, and organizational effectiveness
· Recognize the human dynamics associated with organizational change and apply strategies to successfully lead, manage, and implement change initiatives
· Effectively address and supervise toxic or underperforming employees whose behaviors negatively impact morale, performance, organizational culture, and agency liability
· Apply practical leadership development strategies and daily habits that promote continuous growth and enhance leadership effectiveness
· Understand supervisory responsibilities related to risk management, accountability, and liability reduction while improving employee performance and organizational outcomes
· Conduct and manage citizen complaints professionally, including complaint intake, investigation, resolution, and referral procedures when appropriate
· Identify and demonstrate the characteristics of exceptional leaders, including accountability, strong work ethic, integrity, goal setting, and commitment to organizational success