Empowering Leaders, Elevating Excellence
The Caruth Police Institute (CPI), operated by the Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute, serves as a leading hub for advancing public safety innovation and excellence. We consult with police agencies and municipal governments to help them implement, research and data-informed strategies, organizational reforms, and specialized programs.
CPI also delivers technical assistance that supports agencies with data analysis, policy development, and operational implementation to strengthen both community safety and officer wellness. In addition, CPI offers a wide range of training and education programs for officers, telecommunicators, civilian leadership, and public safety executive leaders. These programs cover important topics such as mental health response, crime-reduction strategies, municipal management, and leadership development. Through this integrated approach, CPI bridges research, practice, training, and policy to improve outcomes for police, communities, and first responders nationwide.
The Caruth Police Institute (CPI) offers a unique training experience for police, first responders, and governmental performance professionals that is designed to exceed the minimum standards of the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement.
CPI’s training courses are meticulously curated, ensuring that the latest research and trends in policing inform them. To enhance the impact of our training, our program invites select subject matter experts to share their real-world insights and is designed to provide relevant, impactful content that elevates the educational experience. This exclusive educational opportunity makes CPI the premier choice for those seeking specialized instruction in police policy, operations, research, first response, and governmental leadership.
Public Safety Leadership Courses
Basic Instructor
This course is designed to meet the legislative mandate established by TCOLE Rule 221.27, in accordance with Chapter 1701 of the Texas Occupations Code. It provides the basic concepts of instruction and to increase the quality of professional law enforcement training. The Basic Instructor Course introduces knowledge and resources in adult learning theory, lesson plan development, classroom management, training standards, and instructor liability. Learners will engage in discussions and hands-on activities focused on developing and delivering training aligned with instructional best practices. By the end of the course, learners must demonstrate their ability to create a complete lesson plan and facilitate a clear and object-driven teaching exercise.
The Emerging Leaders course is an 8 hour professional development program designed to prepare law enforcement personnel for the practical and interpersonal challenges of leadership. The course integrates ethical decision-making, conflict resolution, and emotional intelligence to help participants navigate complex situations with professionalism, accountability, and sound judgment.
Participants will examine how personal values, organizational culture, stress, and emotional awareness influence decision-making and leadership effectiveness. Through facilitated discussion, scenario-based learning, and applied exercises, students will build skills to manage conflict, communicate effectively, and make principled decisions in dynamic operational environments.
This course is eligible for TCOLE credit, emphasizing an understanding of leadership roles or assuming increased responsibility within an organization
Course Schedule
Emerging Leaders in Law Enforcement (8 Hour)
Date & Time: TBD
Course Fee: $100 per individual
Location: DFW Department of Public Safety, 3600 South 20th Ave., DFW Airport, TX 75261, Conference Room: Red River
This intensive 5-day, 40 hour training program is specifically designed for newly promoted and current Lieutenants in city, state, and county law enforcement agencies. The program offers a comprehensive curriculum that focuses on enhancing leadership capabilities in key areas such as strategic planning, effective decision-making, navigating complex legal frameworks, and staying ahead of emerging trends in policing. Upon successful completion, participants will earn 40 hours of TCOLE credit, equipping them with the knowledge and confidence to excel in their leadership roles.
These courses meets the updated requirements & standards set forth by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Instructor resource guide.
The First Line Supervision Series is a comprehensive 5-day training program designed for Sergeants and Non-Sworn Supervisors in city, state, and county law enforcement agencies. This 40 hour course focuses on enhancing leadership effectiveness through an innovative curriculum that covers emotional intelligence, leadership development, and strategies for addressing the unique challenges in modern law enforcement. Participants will gain actionable insights and tools to excel in their roles while fostering a positive impact on their teams and communities. Successful completion of the program qualifies attendees for 40 hours of TCOLE credit.
Course Schedule
First Line Supervision Series (40 Hours)
Date & Time: August 3-7, 2026, 8am-5pm
Course Fee: $650.00
Location: Grapevine Police Department 1007 Ira E Woods Avenue Grapevine, TX 76051
The Leadership Development Series offered by the Caruth Police Institute is an intensive, 80 hour training program designed to enhance the leadership capabilities of law enforcement professionals. This course focuses on developing essential skills such as decision-making, communication, conflict resolution, team-building, and emotional intelligence in leadership contexts. Participants will engage in a combination of theoretical learning and practical application to strengthen their leadership effectiveness in the field. With an emphasis on real-world scenarios, the course prepares officers for leadership roles within their agencies, fostering a culture of accountability and excellence. Upon successful completion, participants will earn 80 hours of Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) credit, advancing both their professional development and leadership potential.
Course Schedule
Leadership Development Course
Date & Time: TBD
Course Fee: $1500.00
Location: Farmers Branch Police Department, 3723 Valley View Lane, Farmers Branch, Texas, 75234, Training Room
The Communications Supervisor Seminar is designed for public safety communications supervisors who are seeking to enhance their leadership and management skills. This seminar focuses on the critical role of communications in emergency response and public safety, emphasizing effective leadership, team dynamics, decision-making, and strategic communication in high-pressure environments. Participants will learn advanced communication techniques, problem-solving strategies, and methods for fostering a collaborative and resilient team culture. Through interactive discussions and case studies, students will gain insights into optimizing operational efficiency, managing stress, and improving performance in the public safety communications sector. This seminar provides the tools needed to lead with confidence in the ever-evolving landscape of emergency communications.
Shield Ready: Building Strong Careers. Protecting Strong Officers.
Shield Ready, a 24 hour course, prepares new, aspiring, and even seasoned officers to manage the stresses of policing, strengthen family and support connections, and build a sustainable career from day one. More than survival skills, it’s about thriving in the badge.
Shield Ready is designed for those at the very start of their policing journey and beyond: pre-cadets, academy cadets, newly sworn officers, and those ready to grow their career in public safety no matter how long they have been a part of the police workforce. This course equips participants with the tools they need not only to succeed in their first years on the job, but also to sustain a healthy, rewarding career over the long term. Shield Ready prepares officers to:
Recognize and manage the unique stresses and traumas of policing, before they take a lasting toll.
Build strong connections with family, peers, and support systems, ensuring that officers don’t carry the weight of the job alone.
Develop a personal brand and professional identity, helping new officers align their reputation, values, and performance from day one.
Explore strategies for career growth and readiness, including pathways to specialized units, leadership roles, and long-term success.
ICAT – Integrating Communications Assessment and Tactics TCOLE #1849
An innovative, evidence-based approach to use-of-force training, ICAT provides first responding police officers with the tools, skills, and options they need to defuse a range of critical incidents successfully and safely. ICAT was developed by PERF with input from hundreds of law enforcement professionals nationwide. It is currently being taught in police agencies of all sizes and in all parts of the country.
ICAT focuses on situations involving persons in crisis and those who are unarmed or armed with weapons other than firearms. The training program is anchored by the Critical Decision-Making Model that helps officers assess situations, make safe and effective decisions, and document and learn from their actions. ICAT incorporates different skill sets into a unified training approach that emphasizes scenario-based exercises, as well as lecture and case study opportunities.
The ICAT training program consists of seven modules:
Module 1: Introduction. This module provides an overview of the ICAT program and how it was developed.
Module 2: The Critical Decision-Making Model. This module teaches the Critical Decision-Making Model (CDM), which is the backbone of the entire ICAT program. Instructors cover the five steps of the CDM – collect information; assess situation, threats, and risks; consider police powers and agency policy; identify options, determine best course of action; and act, review, and re-assess – as well as the CDM “core,” which includes an agency’s mission statement, values, ethics, and guiding principles.
Module 3: Crisis Recognition. In this module, officers learn how to identify those who are experiencing a crisis. Topics include mental illness, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and contributing factors to a crisis.
Module 4: Tactical Communications. This module provides guidance on interacting with those in crisis. It discusses verbal and non-verbal communication, active listening, and making a connection.
Module 5: Suicide by Cop. This module addresses “suicide-by-cop” incidents, meaning those in which a person attempts to die by suicide by forcing an officer to use lethal force. It includes guidance on recognizing and responding to these incidents, including advice about what to say to the individual.
Module 6: Medical Behavioral Emergencies. In this module, officers will learn how to handle situations that may require them to restrain but could also pose a heightened safety risk to the individual that they are restraining, with particular attention given to situations involving subjects experiencing medical-behavioral emergencies.
Module 7: Operational Tactics. In this module, instructors discuss tactical considerations before, during, and after a critical incident. Topics include developing a working strategy, using good positioning and teamwork during an incident, and debriefing after an incident.
Module 8: Step Up and Step In. The final module provides officers with guidance on how they might prevent problems before they occur. This may include intervening when a colleague is about to make a mistake or speaking up about a plan they think is more likely to safely resolve a situation.
The Executive Leadership Program is a four-day, immersive professional development experience designed to equip law enforcement leaders with the knowledge, frameworks, and applied skills they need to lead effectively at the executive level. The program moves participants through the full arc of modern law enforcement leadership — from foundational principles and self-awareness through the complex organizational, political, and operational realities that define senior command.
The curriculum is built around three core convictions: that leadership is a daily practice of behavior, not a title or rank; that effective leaders must understand and actively manage the environments — organizational, political, and community — in which they operate; and that people, not processes, are the most important resource any law enforcement organization has. Some of the modules within the course include “Leading Change”, “Technology in Policing”, “Wellness, Recruitment and Retention”, as well as many others.
Participants will engage with content that is research-grounded, scenario-based, and directly applicable to the challenges they face in their current and future roles. The program is designed to be honest about the difficulty of executive leadership in law enforcement today, and practical about what effective leaders actually do to meet those challenges.
The Caruth Police Institute’s Civilian Leadership Series is a transformative program designed for emerging leaders in law enforcement and the public sector. This comprehensive 5-day training equips supervisors, managers, and leads from city, state, and county agencies with the tools needed to excel in leadership roles. Participants will delve into critical areas such as emotional intelligence, effective leadership skills, and strategies for navigating complex challenges unique to the field.
The curriculum is thoughtfully tailored and rooted in the foundational law enforcement leadership program originally developed by the Caruth Police Institute. This ensures participants benefit from a proven approach to leadership training, adapted to meet the evolving demands of modern public sector roles. Attendees will gain practical insights and actionable strategies to enhance team performance, communication, and decision-making.
This Leadership Refresher Course, offered by the Caruth Police Institute, is designed for supervisors who have already completed the Civilian Leadership Series. It aims to reinforce and build upon foundational leadership principles while focusing on current challenges and evolving best practices in leadership. Through interactive sessions, participants will review key leadership concepts, enhance decision-making skills, and strengthen their ability to lead with emotional intelligence, adaptability, and strategic vision. The course incorporates real-world case studies, group discussions, and skill-building exercises to ensure that supervisors are equipped to lead their teams effectively and navigate the complexities of modern organizational environments.
This course is ideal for those seeking to refresh their leadership approach and continue fostering a positive, high-performance work environment.
Course Schedule
Leadership Refresher Course (4 Hours)
Date & Time: August 6, 2026, 8am-12pm
Course Fee: $ 115.00 per seat
Location: Elm Fork WTP, 1440 Whitlock Ln, Carrollton, TX, 75006, Training Room
This course is designed to meet the legislative mandate established by TCOLE Rule 221.12, in accordance with Chapter 1701 of the Texas Occupations Code.
A 16 hour actionable framework for telecommunicators to identify mental health needs amidst criminal or public disturbances, communicate with officers or connect to resources, and manage crisis calls effectively.
Every call is more than the words on the screen—it’s the story behind the voice. RESPOND is a specialized class designed for telecommunicators who are often the first to encounter mental health needs hidden within criminal, disturbance, or emergency calls. This course equips dispatchers with the knowledge and skills to recognize when a call is being shaped by unmet mental health needs—even when those needs are not the primary reason for the call.
What Participants Will Learn
Identifying Mental Health Drivers in Criminal or Disturbance Calls Learn how to spot cues in caller behavior, tone, language, or third-party reports that indicate mental health factors are present.
Recognizing Unidentified Mental Health Risks to Officers Develop the ability to flag calls where mental health concerns could elevate officer risk, such as unpredictable behavior, substance use, or co-occurring crises.
Enhancing Call-Taking Awareness Build a framework for assessing when a caller may need mental health awareness or referral, even if the call is coded as criminal in nature.
Effective On-the-Phone Responses Practice communication strategies that de-escalate, gather critical information, and provide reassurance to callers in distress.
Communicating Clearly with Officers Learn to relay mental health observations in concise, officer-ready language that enhances safety, situational awareness, and field response.
Mental health needs are often masked within calls coded as disturbance, disorderly conduct, or public safety concerns. Without proper recognition, these calls can escalate quickly, increasing risks for officers, callers, and the community. RESPOND prepares telecommunicators to bridge that gap—ensuring mental health is considered in call handling, officer deployment, and overall public safety strategy. Course Outcomes After completing RESPOND, telecommunicators will be able to:
Confidently identify and code calls influenced by mental health needs.
Communicate risk indicators and mental health drivers to officers in the field.
Apply de-escalation and supportive communication strategies on the phone.
Contribute to safer outcomes for officers, callers, and communities.
Course Schedule
RESPOND Training for the Telecommunicator (16 Hours)
Date: September 10-11, 2026
Course Fee: $ 550.00 per seat
Location: The Center for American and International Law, 5201 Democracy Drive Plano, Texas, 75024
These courses are offered on the same day as a morning and afternoon session.
The single session is $75.00 per individual; however you can participate in both sessions for $125.00.
Emergency Detention for Police, other First Responders, and their Mental Health Partners
The purpose of this course is to provide Texas peace officers with a clear, practical understanding of the changes to emergency mental health detention enacted through Senate Bill 1164 (SB 1164). Participants will learn how to lawfully recognize qualifying behaviors, apply the expanded detention criteria, and document emergency detentions in a manner that is consistent with Texas law and defensible in clinical and court proceedings.
This course is designed to translate statutory language into operational decision-making, emphasizing observation, articulation, and documentation rather than diagnosis or treatment. Through facilitated discussion and scenario-based learning, participants will gain confidence in applying concepts such as substantial risk of serious harm, imminence, severe emotional distress or deterioration, and inability to recognize symptoms or appreciate the risks and benefits of treatment.
By the end of the course, participants will be better equipped to make informed, lawful emergency detention decisions, reduce hesitation caused by uncertainty in mental health calls, and support continuity of care from the field through clinical evaluation and judicial review.
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HIPAA for Public Safety Professionals (Afternoon Session 1:00p – 5:00 pm)
The purpose of this course is to provide public safety professionals with a clear, practical understanding of how the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) applies, and does not apply, within public safety operations. Participants will gain the knowledge and confidence to lawfully obtain, share, and document health-related information while supporting officer safety, emergency response, investigations, and interagency coordination.
This course is designed to dispel common misconceptions surrounding HIPAA, clarify role-based responsibilities, and reinforce permitted disclosures under the HIPAA Privacy Rule. Through real-world scenarios and facilitated discussion, participants will learn to distinguish between healthcare privacy obligations and public safety authority, apply the “minimum necessary” standard appropriately, and navigate information-sharing decisions across law enforcement, fire, EMS, dispatch, and detention settings.
By the end of the course, participants will be better equipped to make informed, defensible decisions regarding protected health information, reduce operational hesitation caused by misunderstanding of HIPAA, and support both community trust and responder safety through lawful and effective communication.
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Search Warrant Writing
This intensive 24-hour course equips law enforcement professionals with the critical skills needed to confidently draft clear, legally sound search warrants that withstand judicial scrutiny. Participants will gain a deep understanding of the legal foundations of search warrants, including probable cause, nexus, and particularity, while learning how to translate complex investigative facts into concise, persuasive affidavits.
Through practical exercises and real-world scenarios, attendees will develop the ability to organize information effectively, avoid common drafting errors, and establish strong connections between criminal activity, locations, and evidence. By the end of the course, participants will leave with enhanced confidence, improved efficiency, and a solid framework for producing high-quality warrants that support successful investigations and prosecutorial outcomes. Students will be expected to provide their own laptop to utilize during this course.
Upon completion of this course, participants will:
Understand the legal foundations of search warrants, including probable cause, nexus, and particularity
Translate investigative facts into clear, concise, and legally sufficient affidavits
Establish a strong nexus between criminal activity, locations, and evidence
Avoid common drafting errors that lead to denials or suppression issues
Develop confidence and efficiency in preparing warrants for judicial review
NOTE: PARTICIPANTS ARE REQUIRED TO SUPPLY THEIR OWN LAPTOP/TABLET
This dynamic 8-hour course provides law enforcement professionals with a foundational yet practical approach to working with confidential informants. Participants will explore the legal, ethical, and operational considerations involved in informant use, while gaining insight into informant motivations, reliability, and risk assessment.
The course emphasizes real-world application, focusing on effective communication strategies, rapport-building techniques, and maintaining professional boundaries. Attendees will also learn essential safety practices, proper documentation standards, and how to identify warning signs of manipulation or compromise.
By the conclusion of the course, participants will be better prepared to manage informants responsibly, enhance investigative outcomes, and ensure accountability through sound documentation and supervision practices.
Understand the role, types, and appropriate use of confidential informants
Identify legal, ethical, and policy considerations in informant management
Assess informant motivation, reliability, and risk
Apply effective communication and rapport-building techniques while maintaining professional boundaries
Recognize safety considerations and properly document informant activity
Public Safety Leadership Development serves as an introduction to five of the most critical leadership pillars for current and future law enforcement leaders. Throughout the course, officers will explore Leadership Styles—including Servant Leadership—along with Generational Differences, Mentoring & Reverse Mentoring, Communication, and Conflict Resolution.
Each topic blends foundational principles with current events and modern best practices. The course is highly interactive, incorporating small group assignments and facilitated discussions to reinforce learning and encourage practical application.
Having a mix of public safety professionals from across the chain of command significantly enhances the experience, fostering richer discussions and more dynamic exercises.
Topics Covered:
Managing vs. Leading
8 Common Leadership Styles
9 Qualities of Servant Leadership
Four Generations in Police Work
Communication Barriers & the Value of Listening
Approaches to & Sources of Conflict
5 Steps of Proper Conflict Resolution
Upcoming Sessions
September 2, 2026 (8 Hours)
Course Fee: $ 195.00 per seat
Location: Southlake Department of Public Safety 100 E. Dove, 600 State St, Southlake, TX 76092
Course Overview:
Nearly twice as many officers die by suicide as are killed in the line of duty. Despite decades of research and training, there is still a tendency within law enforcement to accept high levels of stress as simply “part of the job.”
These realities have made the demands of policing increasingly complex and challenging. While stress and burnout cannot be eliminated entirely, there are proven strategies and techniques that can significantly improve an officer’s ability to manage them effectively.
A central component of this course is emotional intelligence. In many instances, challenges in policing—both internally and within the community—stem from difficulties in recognizing, understanding, and managing emotions. Officers will develop skills not only in controlling their own emotional responses, but also in interpreting and appropriately responding to the emotions of others.
Topics Covered:
A history of stress management research and training in law enforcement
Current statistics – how common is the issue?
Trauma, PTSD, and stress
Common stressors in law enforcement
Sources of police stress – internal and external to the agency
Emotional wellness
Identifying and managing symptoms of stress
What has changed, and what will change moving forward
Upcoming Sessions
November 6, 2026 (8 Hours)
Course Fee: $ 195.00 per seat
Location: Southlake Department of Public Safety 100 E. Dove, 600 State St, Southlake, TX 76092
Emotional Intelligence, Resiliency and Mindset for Public Safety
Course Overview:
Understanding and utilizing appropriate emotional intelligence is a key element in public matters and can be seen as a root problem in a majority of controversies. People with high emotional intelligence have greater mental health, exemplary job performance, and more potent leadership skills.
The ability of a person to express and control their emotions is essential, but so is the ability to understand, interpret, and respond to the emotions of others. Public safety practitioner’s ability to manage and use their emotions effectively and in a positive way is crucial for stress management and career survival while aiding in and helping establish positive community relations.
Building a healthy emotional intelligence and mindset has multiple benefits to public safety. A positive and emotionally strong mindset allows practitioners to recognize skills to perform, cope, and even thrive. Emotional intelligence and mindset training can help public safety mitigate the impact of stress and improve interpersonal communication within their personal and professional networks. It can strengthen your willpower, allow you to focus on your task at hand, and make better decisions under pressure.
Topics Covered:
Five Distinct Qualities of Emotional Intelligence
Four Branches of Emotional Intelligence
Benefits of Emotional Intelligence
Conflict Resolution
Recognizing Emotional Triggers
Response Tactics & Coping Strategies
Personal and Social Competencies
Improving Public Perception
Impact of Daily Emotions
Building an Emotionally Healthy Mindset
Additionally, attendees will create an individualized Personal Excellence Plan based on the results of a written assessment, allowing them to apply course concepts directly to their professional and personal development.
Upcoming Sessions
Date & Time: September 21st, 2026 (8 Hours)
Course Fee: $ 295.00 per seat
Location: Grapevine Police Department 1007 Ira E Woods Avenue Grapevine, TX 76051
The Caruth Police Institute (CPI) offers a unique training experience for police, first responders, and governmental performance professionals that is designed to exceed the minimum standards of the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement.