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).

• Registration Information

  Registration Information

  Fall 2025 Course Brochure available HERE.

  Problem based learning requires a smaller class size than traditional classroom instruction. All participants must be registered prior to the first day of class. Participants will be accepted on a first come, first served basis.

  If you are a currently enrolled graduate or upper level undergraduate student at Michigan State University and will be enrolling for academic credit (3 credits), contact traincj@msu.edu (please expect a response to email inquiries within 48hrs.) or call 517-355-2197 for additional information.

  If you are not a currently enrolled graduate or undergraduate student at Michigan State University and would like to receive information on obtaining Michigan State University Lifelong Education academic credits, visit the MSU RO: Lifelong Education web page.

  This course is MCOLES approved for 302 funds and SNC approved for 911 dispatch training funds.  MCOLES certification is available to Michigan residents. Continuing Education Unit (CEU) credits are available upon successful completion of the 80-hour course.

• Facilitators

  Captain Jim Craig (Retired)

  Jim Craig is the Outreach Coordinator for Michigan State University School of Criminal Justice, providing in-service trainings to Law Enforcement and Corrections Officers from across the United States. Jim Craig served with the Lenawee County Sheriff’s Office for 33 years, retiring in 2023. Jim was the Jail Commander at the Lenawee County Jail. Jim oversaw various aspects of the Sheriff’s Office operations during his career including background investigations, court security, gangs and security threat groups, honor guard, hostage negotiations, IT and biometrics and was an investigator for Michigan Sheriffs’ Association MISSION Team.

  Jim Craig graduated from Siena Heights University in 1998 and is a graduate of the 11th Class of Staff and Command at Michigan State University where he served as Class President. Along with being the Outreach Coordinator, Jim has been a Facilitator for Staff and Command since 2019.

  Captain Bart Crane

  Captain Bart Crane has served with the Meridian Township Police Department since 1999, and previously worked for the Western Michigan University Police Department. He graduated from Western Michigan University in 1996 with a Bachelors Degree in Science and is working towards a Masters Degree in Business Administration. Bart served as the Class President of the 7th Class of the Michigan State University School of Staff and Command. Captain Crane is currently assigned as the Uniform Division Commander. He has served as Lieutenant, Detective Sergeant, Patrol Sergeant, Investigator, Field Training Officer, Motorcycle Officer, and in many other roles.

  Captain Bryan Pizzuti

  Bryan is a law enforcement professional with over 24 years of service, currently serving as a Captain with the Bloomfield Township Police Department in Michigan. Bryan has demonstrated exceptional dedication to public safety, community service, and is recognized for visionary leadership and a strong commitment to organizational development. Bryan has served in both patrol and investigations divisions as an officer and supervisor. Furthermore, he was assigned out to a federal task force for a number of years. As a department trainer, Bryan has trained in the areas of subject control, force on force, and intermediate weapons. Bryan is known for implementing innovative department training programs that emphasis emotional intelligence, cultural competency and crisis management. Bryan is well-presented and highly personable, with a strong motivation to train and educate individuals or groups that seek professional growth and development. He believes that the primary insight of a trainer should be the student first; continual study of the craft that is being instructed; knowledge and belief in research, study and questioning of all the areas instruction to stay current, relevant and impactful in students/trainees served. Bryan holds a B.S. in Psychology from St. Vincent College and a M.S. in Social Work from the University of Pittsburgh. He is also a graduate of Michigan State University School of Staff and Command.

  June Werdlow Rogers (Retired)

  June Werdlow Rogers is a dedicated crime-fighter. She earned a PhD in Criminal Justice and Criminology from the University of Maryland and after serving 28 years in in law enforcement (local and federal), she retired as DEA's New England Special Agent in Charge in 2008. Since then, she has authored several books including Cracking the Double Standard Code and Now Hiring Criminal Justice Professionals and focuses on educating criminal justice professionals. From speaking at national conferences or in college classrooms to writing published works, Dr. Rogers’ goal is always preventing victimization and offending as reflected in her latest work with The Youth Connection entitled The Boss of me is Me (2016), an interactive notebook designed to help teens live crime-free.

   

• Syllabus
  Syllabus available HERE.