Module Overview
This course provides a comprehensive overview of succession planning as a leadership and organizational strategy in law enforcement. Participants will explore the science, structure, and applied methods of ensuring continuity and leadership readiness within their agencies.
The course introduces the I.A.C.P. Four-Step Succession Planning Model—Identify, Develop, Mentor, and Sustain—and integrates behavioral science, organizational learning theory, and neuroleadership principles to strengthen understanding and application.
Through conceptual learning, reflection, and interactive practice, participants will learn how to build a self-sustaining pipeline of leadership talent aligned with their agency’s mission and values.
Module Objectives
Upon successful completion of this module student should be able to:
- Define the concept and purpose of succession planning in the context of law enforcement.
- Interpret the I.A.C.P. Four-Step Model and its implications for organizational readiness.
- Identify critical leadership positions and the competencies necessary to sustain agency performance.
- Design developmental and mentoring strategies to prepare emerging leaders.
- Evaluate existing agency succession systems and propose evidence-based improvements.
Instructor: Lt. Colonel (Retired) Wellington R. Scott, Sr. is a graduate of North Carolina State University’s Administrative Officer’s Management Program, and an honorary member of Alpha Phi Sigma National Criminal Justice Honor Society.
He was a member of the North Carolina State Highway Patrol for 28 years and retired as the Deputy Commander in 2013. He directed the North Carolina State Highway Patrol’s First Line Supervisors School where he developed curriculum and provided instruction for newly promoted First Line Supervisors.
He served as a Troop Commander, Unit Commander in Charge of Promotion and Performance Management, Director of Support Services, Director of Professional Standards, Director of Field Operations, and Deputy Commander of the North Carolina State Highway Patrol. He received Specialized Instructor Certifications in Defensive Tactics, Fitness Specialist and Biomechanics, Verbal Judo, and Performance Management Instructor Training in Developmental Dimensions International.
Lieutenant Colonel Scott is a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the National Association of Field Training Officers, and is an Honorary member of Alpha Phi Sigma National Criminal Justice Honor Society. Lieutenant Colonel Scott now serves as the President of the Sheriff’s Institute for Ethical Leadership Development (SHIELD) a Division of the International Academy of Public Safety.
