The Southeastern Command and Leadership Academy (S.E.C.L.A.) will be graduating 28 more law enforcement officers from its 13th class on Friday, March 7, 2014, 8:30 a.m. at the UTC University Center Building. Four of those graduating are employees with the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office.

Sheriff Jim Hammond, who holds a Bachelor and Master degree in Criminal Justice from UTC, has always been a strong advocate of educating his staff. He proudly reports that since 2007, twenty-two of his agency's employees holding the rank of sergeant and above have completed this training. The Sheriff's choice of officers to attend this current class were Lt. Mark Hooper, Sgt. Sharpie Adams, Sgt. Chris Harvey, and Sgt. Eric Merkle.

The Southeastern Command and Leadership Academy is a dynamic seven-week law enforcement leadership and management program designed for progressive and innovative police managers. The intense seven-week course is spread out over a seven-month period so that agencies can better manage the time off for their officers and to assist the S.E.C.L.A. instructors. Sheriff Hammond applauds his officers who have completed this training stating they have done so while continuing to manage their daily work-related responsibilities.

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The SECLA curriculum was developed by a team of national experts in the field of policing and is delivered by these same experts to ensure integrity of delivery. All instructors are seasoned law enforcement professionals; have earned a PhD in Criminal Justice or a related field; teach at a major university; and have published related books or articles in peer-reviewed journals. The curriculum covers current issues and information police administrators rely upon to adequately respond to the diverse demands of an executive position.