AJA

Developing Jail Leaders Through Advanced Executive Training

JEI provides participants with a wealth of knowledge, invaluable resources, and a professional network they can rely on long after the program ends. The Jail Executive Institute is a cooperative venture between the American Jail Association and the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s School of Criminology and Criminal Justice.

The JEI Experience

JEI is delivered in three connected segments, combining onsite executive training, monthly virtual instruction, and a final oral presentation at AJA’s Conference & Jail Expo.

Segment 1

Onsite Training

Five days of training and networking held onsite at the University of Nebraska Omaha.

Segment 2

Virtual Learning

Seven online trainings delivered as one 90-minute Zoom class per month.

Segment 3

Oral Presentation

Participants deliver an oral presentation before a panel of jail experts at AJA’s Conference & Jail Expo.

Tuition

$2,995

Includes class materials, lodging for five nights, daily snacks, and three evening meals.

Please Note:

Airfare, transportation to/from the airport in Omaha, Nebraska, and some meals are the responsibility of the participant.

Tentative Schedule

Sept. 19, 2027

Candidates should plan to arrive in Omaha, Nebraska no later than 4 p.m. for introductions, networking, and dinner. Sunday evening activities are required.

Sept. 24, 2027

Segment 1 concludes at approximately 12:30 p.m.

Monthly

Segment 2 consists of one 90-minute virtual Zoom class per month for approximately seven months.

May 20–24, 2028

Segment 3 requires attendance at AJA’s Conference & Jail Expo in Spokane, Washington.

Class Size & Eligibility

Class Size

Attendance is limited to 25 participants. JEI recommends no more than two participants per agency per class.

Who Should Attend?

JEI is designed for jail executives and members of their executive command staff who are involved in executive-level policy, operations, budget, and human resource decisions.

For the purposes of JEI, a jail executive is defined as:

A sworn or civilian person who directs, administers, and/or is in charge of the operations of a local correctional agency and has final decision-making authority regarding policies, safety and security, maintenance, staffing, training, programs, budgets, and expenditures.

Application Requirements

To apply to attend JEI, applicants must submit the following:

Official Agency Description
Official Agency Organizational Chart
CV, Resume, or Vita
A brief applicant narrative of no more than 500 words
Application signed by the direct report administrator or senior executive-level member

Application & Review Process

Applications and required documentation will be sent to the JEI Advisory Committee for review. Once eligibility is determined, the candidate will be notified and sent acceptance materials.

The geographic location of the participant and rated jail capacity will be taken into consideration to form a well-rounded class. Applications will be accepted electronically or by mail.

Deadline: Applications will be accepted until the class is at capacity.

Incomplete applications or applications received without required documentation and signatures will be returned, and the evaluation process will not begin until all required materials have been received.

Don’t Miss This Opportunity

Take the next step in executive leadership development through the Jail Executive Institute.

Download Application

Questions? Contact Connie Lacy or Dr. Mark Foxall.

Completed applications should be emailed to Lori Bachtell.