Many organizations do not prepare new supervisors for their leadership positions. Frequently, individuals are promoted because they were the best at their prior job functions, not necessarily because they have developed the qualities, characteristics and skills needed to lead and supervise people. Many supervisors must learn their roles through trial and error, as there are often no guidelines provided on how to effectively lead and manage a team. Forensic Supervisors, in particular, can often find themselves promoted into positions where they oversee several units, some of which they may have very little knowledge of; in essence, they are tossed into a realm that they are unfamiliar with and unprepared for, often without no mentor inside their agency, in their field, to help guide them.
This course is designed to help those who desire to lead or are already leading Forensic teams in any capacity. This course will help you to develop your leadership style, manage and measure the performance of your team to include disciplines you may be unfamiliar with, effectively deal with and resolve conflict, and teach you how to create and lead a high performance, high impact team.
Day 1:
Introductions: Introduction of instructors and overview of course topics and expectations. DISC Behavioral Training
Complete a DISC (Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Conscientiousness) assessment and learn your behavioral style. Overview of DISC behavioral types and an assessment of staff DISC types. Learn to accurately recognize other DISC personalities and effectively work with them to create a more productive and cohesive work environment.
Generations in the Workplace
Learn how to identify generations in the workplace. Learn the benefits and downfalls of each generation and how to harness those to create a more harmonious work environment for your entire staff.
Ethics
Ethical behavior in the workplace. What is ethics, what is ethical? Learn how to be an ethical leader and how to lead your team with integrity.
Day 2:
Communication
Improve your communication and listening skills. Learn the most effective ways to communicate information to your staff and to have that information be heard and understood.
Critical Conversations
Learn how to have those difficult but necessary conversations with your staff, fellow supervisors and your higher ups.
Legal Issues
Learn what things can get you in serious trouble as a supervisor and how to avoid them.
Day 3:
The Crime Scene Unit
Learn about the general function of a Crime Scene Unit and how to manage and check your team’s work.
The Latent Print Unit
Learn about the general function of a Latent Print Unit and how to manage and check your team’s work.
The Evidence Unit
Learn about the general function of an Evidence Unit and how to manage and check your team’s work.
The DNA Pre-Screening Lab
Learn about the general function of a DNA Pre-Screening Lab and how to manage and check your team’s work.
Day 4:
Statistics and Logs
Learn how to create and maintain a basic stat sheet for your unit. Learn what stats you should be tracking and how you can utilize those stats to see how productive and effective your team is. Learn how to use your stats to justify additional resources like new equipment or personnel.
Audits
Learn how to audit the casework originating from the units you manage to ensure the best possible work product is being created.
Scheduling
Learn to think outside of the box with your staff scheduling to maximize your productivity and your personnel.
Job Descriptions
Learn how to write an accurate job description and the ramifications of not doing so.
Interviews
Learn how to conduct effective interviews so you are growing your team in the best way possible.
Evaluations
Learn how to conduct effective evaluations, so staff are receiving valuable feedback in a timely manner that will facilitate growth.
Day 5:
Writing SOPs
Learn how to write SOPs and what SOPs your unit needs.
Creating Training Programs
Learn how to create effective training programs for your units.
Finding Resources
Learn how to find resources in unique places to get your staff the tools they need to do their jobs.
Intro to Accreditation
Learn accreditation basics and how to get the process started when you are ready.
Self and Staff Care
You cannot continually pour into your staff without taking some time to refill yourself. Learn stress relief tips for yourself and your staff. Learn how to recognize distress in your staff and ways to combat it.
