Continuing education in order to stay up-to-date in the world of law enforcement is held in high esteem at the Zanesville Police Department, and the chief is at the forefront of the movement.

Zanesville Police Department Chief Tony Coury recently graduated from the Police Executive Leadership College, a three month-long training hosted by the Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police.

“I am bringing a lot of good ideas back to the department because of my PELC training,” Coury said. “It is one of the better leadership trainings for law enforcement in Ohio and around the country.”

Throughout the course, participants heard from a number of speakers including chiefs of police from major departments, professors and other law enforcement in academia. All of the participants were required to attend classes, write papers, give presentations and do classwork.

The class was designed to focus on leadership and management practices for law enforcement.

“I believe strongly in continuing education,” Coury said. “I think that it is something that the department has lacked for several years, and I wish to bring education back to the forefront for the Zanesville Police Department.”

While Coury said he wants to further education within his department, there are no requirements set forth that mandate the extra training.

“It was something I chose, and it’s kind of the direction that I want to make sure the leaders in the department are going,” he said.

In the past, Coury has completed law enforcement training through Northwestern University, although he’s not the only person in the department seeking more education.

Last year, an officer with the Zanesville Police Department completed the Public Safety Leadership Academy through the Ohio State University.

“I want to continue to build good leaders for our community and for this department,” Coury said.

Over 2,100 law enforcement officers have graduated from PELC across Ohio. Not only did the class provide extended education, but Coury said the connections gained through the class are valuable as others offer different perspectives to law enforcement.

“We can sit here and be leaders and run our departments but to get out there and talk and network. Networking is so important in this field,” Coury said. “If I don’t know the answer or if I have an issue with personnel or legal questions, you know, now I have just that many more people I can turn to to assist me to make educated decisions.”