CPOA’s 2026 Spring Virtual Training Conference offers a series of robust sessions for your entire agency.
2-hour sessions twice a week for 4 weeks on a range of topics that will serve your entire agency!
Can’t attend live? Sessions will be recorded for viewing on demand!
From Silence to Strength: Building Culture of Resilience
Presenter:
Carryn Barker, Detective, San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office
Carryn’s talk is for anyone committed to building stronger, more resilient, and more inclusive cultures in law enforcement and beyond. It’s especially valuable for women in male-dominated fields, leaders shaping organizational culture, and allies who want to support meaningful change. The insights apply to frontline staff, supervisors, and anyone seeking to lead with courage and purpose.
Resilience Without Burnout: Leadership Practices That Protect Officers, Agencies, and Communities
Presenter:
Felice Upton, Founder/Consultant
Just Us Consulting
Professional Skills Development & Training for non-sworn Staff
Presenters:
Henry Hsu, Fountain Valley Police Department
Lorie Velarde, Crime Analyst
Students will learn the importance and practicality of 8 core skills that can tangibly improve how efficient and effective they are in handling their daily work and personal tasks in addition to building positive relationships with coworkers. Students will learn to be guided by a greater sense of purpose adding meaning and significance to their work that will help them positively influence and inspire others.
Students will know how to apply the 8 core skills to prioritize and accomplish important goals consistent with one’s values and mission statement, resulting in a more fulfilling and productive life at work and at home.
Leading Yourself Well, Taking a Tactical Approach to Personal Development & Team Building
Presenter:
John Kelly, (Ret.) Sergeant
Law Enforcement Life Coach, LLC
Succession Planning Essentials
Presenter:
Charles Celano, Chief (Ret.) Tustin Police Department
Founder & CEO, Chief Leadership
Succession planning in public safety is a “buzz word” that gets thrown around quite a bit, but the reality is very few organizations actually take the time to put together a successful Succession Plan.
The audience will get a step-by-step blueprint on how to create their own professional development plan within their own agencies. This plan includes how to conduct a thorough leadership gap analysis, build a training matrix and leadership training program internally, create a coaching and mentoring culture, job shadowing program and much more.
Retired Chief Charles F Celano Jr is a 27-year veteran of the Tustin Police Department. He worked his way up through the ranks to the position of Chief of Police.
Chief Celano possesses a Bachelor’s Degree from CSU, Long Beach and a Master’s Degree from the University of Redlands. He is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy, Class #258.
Presenters:
Stephanie Kiesow, Founder, Kiesow & Co Consulting
Erin Craw, Elementary School Teacher
In the high-stress environment of the law enforcement industry, maintaining healthy communication within the family unit is essential for overall wellness. Many police families struggle with the challenges of navigating difficult conversations, often leading to a culture of “walking on eggshells.” While agencies strive to promote wellness, there remains a significant gap in providing practical strategies for fostering open dialogue and family well-being.
This presentation, presented by two daughters of law enforcement officers, delves into the intricacies of family communication specific to law enforcement, highlighting the vital role of strong family relationships in enhancing resilience. By equipping participants with actionable techniques to improve both individual and family well-being, we can help create an environment that supports the unique needs of both individuals and their loved ones.
Stephanie Kiesow is a former law enforcement officer, the wife of a law enforcement officer, and the daughter of two retired law enforcement. In 2022, Stephanie left her sworn job to focus on her Ph.D. in Industrial/Organizational Psychology and spends some of her time researching and mitigating work-related contributing factors to suicide within first responder industries. In addition to her educational roles, she works for First Responder Wellness/The Counseling Team International, teaches for the Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) and Standard and Training for Corrections (STC) with her certified therapy dog “Zeena”, is a contributing writer and speaker for several publications, creates and implements personalized wellness strategy programs through her consulting firm, and is the published Best-Selling author of her book titled, “Workicide.” Stephanie has been featured on Law Enforcement Today, The Police Tribune, and Blue Lives Matter. In her spare time, Stephanie spends her time with her husband, young children, and beloved pets.
Presenter:
Kelly Enos, Vice Chair
Los Angeles Mission College
Supervisory Decisions That Make-or-Break Litigation
Presenter:
Kayla Watson, Senior of Counsel Attorney
Serviam by Wright LLP
Supervisors are a critical line of defense in preventing and mitigating liability, yet they often receive limited training through the lens of real-world litigation. This session explains how supervisory decisions—minutes, hours, or even days after an incident—become central evidence in Section 1983 claims, negligence actions, and failure-to-supervise allegations.
Participants gain insight into what plaintiffs’ attorneys look for, what courts weigh most heavily, and how even small oversight actions can shift the trajectory of a case.
Attendees will leave with practical, immediately applicable tools for scene management, report review, corrective guidance, and consistent policy application. By understanding how their decisions shape the agency’s litigation posture and public transparency, supervisors can reinforce constitutional policing, safeguard their teams, and reduce long-term liability for the agency.
Cancellation Policy
Effective 8/1/18
All cancellations and substitutions MUST be in writing and directed to the CPOA Training Coordinator cpoa@cpoa.org. All refunds will be processed within 30 days from the written date of the cancellation request.
Cancellations made 30 calendar days or more from the first day of your registered course will be refunded minus a $30 cancellation fee.
Cancellations made 29 calendar days to 10 calendar days from the first day of your registered course will receive a 50% refund.
Cancellations made 9 calendar days or less from the first day of your registered course are NOT eligible to receive a refund.
*Registrants who cannot attend a course are strongly encouraged to find a substitution.
Substitution Policy
CPOA encourages you to make a substitution if a student cannot attend the course; substitutions will be accepted prior to the course in writing and on-site.
*Registration Policy
CPOA will not register anyone for a class unless payment has been received in full. If you are not able to provide payment with registration you may provide a credit card to hold the seat. However, all students must be paid in full 10 days prior to the class. If payment is not received and a card has been given to hold the seat, it will be charged.
