In this month’s Supervisor Continuing Education session, Terri Wilfong delivered a powerful and practical training focused on what it truly means to lead as a first-line supervisor. Drawing on her extensive 33-year law enforcement career, she spoke directly to the challenges new and seasoned supervisors face—managing personnel, earning team credibility, and making sound decisions under pressure. Wilfong emphasized that leadership is about influence, integrity, and visibility: supervisors are the “walking billboards” of the agency, setting the tone through both words and actions.
She covered core supervisory duties, including performance monitoring, policy compliance—especially high-liability areas—and mentoring officers for growth. Supervisors were encouraged to know their people as individuals, support career development, and remain actively engaged in day-to-day operations. From handling critical incidents to resolving internal conflicts, Wilfong’s session reinforced that successful supervisors don’t just manage—they guide, teach, and set standards that elevate the entire team
This course will also focus on areas including:
- Influence, integrity, and visibility as essential traits for effective supervision
- Monitoring performance, ensuring policy compliance, and mentoring for professional growth
- Navigating critical incidents, resolving internal issues, and leading by example in daily operations
Our training experts recommend this course for all officers, ranks, and command staff.
Instructor: Chief Terri Wilfong (Ret.)
Terri Wilfong has 33 years of law enforcement experience. She served in the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department, Kentucky State Police, and the Jefferson County Police Department. She was assigned to multiple units including Criminal Investigation, Internal Affairs, Accreditations Manager, and the Hostage Negotiations Team. Ms. Wilfong served as a Lieutenant Colonel in the first command staff of the Louisville Metro Police Department. In 2006, she retired from Louisville Metro and became Chief of Police for the City of Greenville, South Carolina in 2007. Ms. Wilfong has presented to the IACP, Southern Police Institute, local government hearings and both public and private entities. She served as the IACP Chair of the Crime Prevention Committee and the Conference Committee. She recently retired as Chief of Police after a 7-year tenure.
- Credit Hours: 2
- Class ID: SP-0525-A3
- Area: 703
- Topic: Leadership
Please click here to contact the DLG Learning Center support staff with any questions about this course.