The National Sheriffs’ Institute (NSI) is sponsored by the National Institute of Corrections (NIC) in collaboration with the Major County Sheriffs of America, the National Sheriffs’ Association, and the Small and Rural Law Enforcement Executives Association. The NSI is the only executive leadership program designed specifically for sheriffs.

Purpose of the NSI

The Office of Sheriff is distinguished from other law enforcement agencies by having direct accountability to the citizens it serves. The Office of Sheriff is multifaceted and can include a combination of responsibilities and lines of service to include patrol services, court security, civil process, jail operations, prisoner transportation, and/or criminal investigation. Now, more than ever, sheriffs are called upon to allocate resources in strategic ways, to engage and convene community stakeholder groups, and provide healthcare and treatment while ensuring public safety. The NSI is intended to prepare sheriffs for a variety of matters that affect the Office of Sheriff.

History of the NSI

The NSI was first developed and presented in the early 1970s in response to a need by sheriffs to meet the evolving demands of the office. The program was enabled by a grant from the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration and originally conducted through a partnership between the National Sheriffs’ Association and the University of Southern California's School of Public Administration. The NSI has gone through many iterations throughout its history. Since 1993, the NSI has been housed in the NIC Jails Division. Enhancements and revisions through the years created a more concise, streamlined curriculum.

The NSI Courses

All NSI courses are designed for the elected or appointed sheriff. The following three courses are currently offered:

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  National Sheriffs’ Institute - Leadership Development

  The NSI’s flagship course, Leadership Development, gives sheriffs the opportunity to assess their leadership strengths, define a leadership direction, and identify how to effectively engage their leadership team to advance their organization’s mission, vision, and values. This course is open to sheriffs-elect and first-term sheriffs. There are no prerequisites.

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  National Sheriffs’ Institute - Jail Leadership

  The Jail Leadership course assists sheriffs in identifying critical aspects of jail operations and defining an operational philosophy for their jail that aligns with their organization’s mission and the constitutional requirement of operating a jail. This course is open to sheriffs in any term. There are no prerequisites.

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  National Sheriffs’ Institute – Communicating for Impact

  The Communicating for Impact course enhances sheriffs’ ability to inspire, motivate, inform, build trust, and lead change in a way that promotes their organization’s vision and values. This course is open to sheriffs in any term. Leadership Development is a prerequisite.

A Fully Funded Opportunity

The NSI's courses are offered at no-cost to participants. NIC covers all associated costs, including pre-paid airfare and reimbursements for lodging, meals, and other travel-related expenses.

2025 NSI Course Schedule

• June 2-6, 2025: Jail Leadership (No prerequisite)
• November 17-21, 2025: Leadership Development (Sheriffs elect and first-term sheriffs only)
• December 1-5, 2025: Communicating for Impact (Leadership Development is a prerequisite)

All courses are currently scheduled to take place at the National Corrections Academy in Aurora, Colorado.