Law Enforcement Officers

Constitutional trainings for law enforcement with the Robert H. Smith Center for the Constitution focus on both the legal and aspirational components of constitutional policing. That is, participants engage in discussion about the legal framework of policing under the Constitution, and they also consider the ways in which they are the Constitution by upholding the values and ideals of America’s governing documents through their actions.

Through 3-day residential seminars, participants tackle complex constitutional topics from sources of power in a democracy, to minority vs. majority rights, Supreme Court decisions involving the 4th Amendment, and advancements in 21st-century policing. Every program ends with scenario-based training.

These trainings are recognized by the Department of Criminal Justice Services in Virginia as a certified criminal justice continuing education program for police officers in Virginia.

Listen to Sean O'Brien, Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President at The Montpelier Foundation, on Right Now with Coy Barefoot, discuss the importance of the law enforcement program.

Who is Eligible?

Any law enforcement or public safety official is eligible to attend. Past participants have included chiefs, sheriffs, lieutenants, first-line officers, Virginia State Police, FBI, DEA, Virginia ABC Bureau of Law Enforcement, and Homeland Security.

For the advanced law enforcement seminar, participants should hold a command- or executive-level position. The Constitutional Foundations training is not a requirement to attend an advanced training.

Thanks to the generosity of private donors, the Center is able to reduce the tuition from $1500 to $400. Please contact Jen Patja Howell at jhowell@montpelier.org to inquire about additional scholarships that may be available in your area. Scholarships and tuition cover the cost of accommodations, meals, reading materials, and documentation for in-service credit.

The Training Includes:

Accommodations and Meals: You will be housed in the Constitutional Village on the grounds of Montpelier near Orange, VA. All meals will be provided.
Seminar Materials: You will receive readings that are specially edited and assembled to reflect the theme of the Seminar.
In-Service Credits: You will receive documentation to qualify you for professional development credit.

How to Apply

Apply online today. Tuition costs $400. If you have any questions, please contact Doug Smith at dsmith@montpelier.org.