(April 1, 2025) – The Atlanta Police Department (APD), in collaboration with the Atlanta Police Foundation (APF), remains committed to developing strong, effective leaders within law enforcement. One of APF’s key initiatives in leadership development is the Atlanta Police Leadership Institute (APLI)—a program designed to prepare APD officers for increased responsibility in law enforcement management.
Founded in 2014, APLI offers structured training sessions led by seasoned professionals, equipping officers with the tools needed to advance in their careers and enhance their leadership abilities.
The most recent session focused on mental resiliency, a crucial skill for law enforcement professionals. The class was led by Charlene Heard, a retired Major with the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office. With 30 years of experience in the force, Major Heard has dedicated her post-retirement career to teaching leadership development and crisis intervention.
APLI Director Dr. Stephanie Thomas personally recruited Major Heard for the session, recognizing her expertise in leadership training.
“I knew I wanted something different for my students, and Major Heard was the perfect fit to introduce the ‘Mindset of a Leader,’” said Dr. Thomas.
Major Heard adopts a facilitation-based approach, encouraging interactive discussions and real-world problem-solving. In addition to crisis intervention training, she has led team-building exercises at her church, trained officers at the Georgia Public Safety Training Center (GPSTC) and serves as a national trainer for the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP).
“A lot of people have tried to get promoted multiple times but have yet to succeed. I’m here to help them understand how to navigate that process,” she said.
Beyond leadership skills, Major Heard emphasized the importance of networking within law enforcement—a critical, yet often overlooked, factor in career advancement.
“Many of these students don’t even know one another, yet they are all trying to move up in the same department. Networking is essential when you’re climbing the ladder in leadership,” she added.
As APLI continues to equip APD officers with essential leadership tools, programs like this reinforce the department’s commitment to professional growth and community service.
The next session will continue to discuss mental resiliency, further preparing officers to lead with confidence and integrity.
Written by APF Communications Intern Kenya M.
