Special Programs

NACOLE offers a NACOLE Trained Practitioner (NTP) credential through its annual conferences. This program recognizes oversight practitioners who have achieved a high level of professional oversight training and encourages employers and oversight agencies to financially support and encourage participation in these voluntary training programs.

To earn the NTP Credential, a person must participate in designated training sessions at three qualifying conferences in a five-year period, and satisfy supplemental reading requirements. The 2008 NACOLE Conference was the first qualifying conference for this program. The Credential is valid for five years from the date of the first qualifying conference. Applications for the NTP Credential Program may be made at the time of conference registration or at any time during the conference by completing the application form.

NACOLE continues to offer its Training Certificate Program, initiated in 2008, recognizing participation in conference training. Conferees who attend a minimum of three sessions designated as “Training Sessions” and two additional conference sessions of their choice will be awarded a Certificate of Training. Conferees may make application at the time of conference registration or at any time during the conference by completing the application form.

There is no additional fee for these programs. However, to participate, you must be a member of NACOLE. You will find more information on the main NTP Credential page

In conjunction with the Annual Conference, NACOLE on occasion offers a series of basic and advanced skill building workshops taught by subject matter experts. These sessions offer practical advice and provide information on specific techniques on such topics as auditing complaints of alleged misconduct, investigating and reviewing use of force and officer-involved shooting investigations, conducting outreach and reporting standards in the field.

The NACOLE Professional Mentoring Program offers opportunities for experienced and newer police oversight professionals to continue their professional development through formal mentoring relationships. The Program was officially launched at the Annual Conference in Austin in 2009, and has been steadily growing ever since. Program participants come from all around the country, including Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Washington, DC, Detroit, Seattle, Cincinnati, Columbia (MO), Boise, Berkeley, Fresno, Honolulu, Orange County (CA), Cambridge, North Carolina and Salt Lake City. Participation is voluntary, and one-on-one relationships between mentors and mentees are developed through regular communication via telephone and/or e-mail, usually on a monthly basis, participation in topic-specific conference calls and other professional growth opportunities.

The Mentoring Program also hosts an informal get together on the evening before the start of the Annual Conference, which is a great opportunity for many of the program participants and those interested in learning more or joining the program to meet face-to-face. Full information may be found on the Mentoring Program page.