School of Staff and Command

Michigan State University School of Staff and Command is a 400-hour problem-based course that utilizes a blend of classroom facilitated learning and cutting edge distance learning technologies.

Problem-based learning (PBL) represents the next generation in law enforcement training by fostering critical thinking, and employing learning philosophies appropriate in today’s law enforcement world.

In addition to an outstanding cadre of experts in the field, faculty includes a 1:6 facilitator to learner ratio.

This course is MCOLES approved for 302 funds and the MMRMA grant.  MCOLES certification is available to Michigan residents. Continuing Education Unit (CEU) credits are available upon successful completion of the 400-hour course.

MISSION:

• The Michigan State University School of Staff and Command is committed to building capacity of Michigan law enforcement organizations through the development of staff and command personnel within those organizations.

GOALS:

• Utilize teaching methods that allow students to self-discover the knowledge and skills they require in a way that builds on gifts the students already possess in a context that is relevant to them.
• Create a challenging learning environment that positively impacts what the student learns and what will be transferred to other circumstances.
• Facilitate students’ learning how to work safely, think critically, adopt problem-solving as a daily part of their job, and partner more readily with residents to tackle crime.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

• Develop personal and professional goals, collect baseline data relative to those goals, identify gaps between where the individual is and where he/she wants to be, evaluate progress toward those goals, and continuously monitor evaluate, and revise those goals. Reflective learning journals, one-on-one evaluation meetings with a facilitator, and evaluation rubrics will be used to demonstrate achievement.
• Evaluate new and evolving technology and its applicability to current and emerging challenges to public safety.
• Create and function effectively within a team that demonstrates an understanding of the interdependencies between people and how to act as a teammate with others regardless of whether there is a formal or informal structure and/or whether working with internal or external organizational partners.
• Research information, analyze and evaluate the data, and recognize trends and gaps that have the potential of impacting how a police organization conducts business in a community.
• Construct recommendations for proposed plans of action that are developed using a problem solving process that includes an understanding of the identified problem and an evaluation/ assessment as to the effectiveness of the response. Recommendations presented will include background information, an assessment/conclusion, and the recommendation(s).
• Produce and practice oral presentations that incorporate multiple styles of learning, demonstrate an understanding of public speaking skills, effective use of audio-visual aids, and a variety of types of oral presentations (facilitation, poster session, classroom instruction, conduct meetings, PowerPoint presentations, oral reports, etc.).
• Assemble various types of written communication documents that are grammatically correct, with no spelling errors, properly formatted, and clearly and concisely written.
• Write a grant that includes project goals and objectives, statement of the problem, project design and implementation, capabilities/competencies, budget, outcomes, and performance measures.
• Produce a written comprehensive gap analysis report and make an oral presentation on the findings of that report as the final course problem. The report and presentation will include recommendations on what the learner’s agency needs to be doing now to meet what data and trend analysis are projecting for the next 5-10 years for his/her agency.

Deputy Chief (retired) Chad Connelly

Chad Connelly served with the East Lansing Police department from 1998 to March of 2023 and retired as the Deputy Chief. During his time with East Lansing, he was responsible for the oversight of every division within the department at various times. He served as a K-9 Handler, SRT Operator, Detective and Background Investigator. He graduated from Lake Superior State University in 1997 with a bachelor’s degree in exercise science, and from Central Michigan University with a master’s in administration in 2007. He also holds a Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Management. Chad is a graduate of the 10th Class of Staff and Command at Michigan State University where he served as Class President. Chad now serves as a Section Commander overseeing Leadership Development for the Michigan State Police.

Captain Jim Craig

Captain Jim Craig has been with the Lenawee County Sheriff's Office since 1990 and is the Jail Commander at the Lenawee County Jail. Captain Craig oversees the entire operations of Lenawee County's 287 bed facility. Additionally, Captain Craig is responsible for the security of the Lenawee County Judicial Building and supervises bailiffs, transport officers and court security deputies.

Captain Craig is a 1998 graduate of Siena Heights University and a graduate of the 11th Class of Staff and Command at Michigan State University where he served as Class President. Captain Craig is an American Jail Association certified Jail Manager and certified Hostage Negotiator. Captain Craig is a member of Michigan Sheriffs' Association MISSION Team and is a background investigator for the Lenawee County Sheriff's Office. Captain Craig has received training in courthouse security through the National Sheriff's Association, the U.S. Marshals Service and ATF.

David Haynes

Bio: Not yet available

Bryan Pizzuti

Bio: Not yet available

Jonathan Swartz

Bio: Not yet available

Thank you for your interest in applying to the Michigan State University School of Staff and Command.

Important Application Info

• Application Deadline: November 7, 2026
• Applicant Oral Board Interview Dates: December 1-3, 2026
• Successful Applicants Notified No Later Than: December 18, 2026
   

Non-Michigan police agencies wishing information on bringing the School to your state or agency, should contact traincj@msu.edu (please expect a response to email inquiries within 48hrs) at 517-355-2197.