American Jail Association Jail Executive Institute

The University of Nebraska at Omaha School of Criminology and Criminal Justice (UNO SCCJ) and the American Jail Association (AJA) cooperatively offer the Jail Executive Institute (JEI), a leadership training initiative. The JEI provides jail executives with new and innovative best practices in the field and an opportunity for peer learning and networking.

JEI is open to jail executives, both sworn and civilian, who direct, administer and/or are in charge of the operations of a local correctional agency. Individuals should have final decision-making authority in the facility with regard to policy and procedures, staff as well as inmate safety and security, maintenance, staffing, training, programs, and preparation of annual budget and expenditures. Executive command staff members involved with executive-level policy, operations, budget and human resources/disciplinary decision are also eligible to attend. Class size is limited to 25 participants. It is recommended that no more than 2 individuals from the same agency attend at the same time. All applications will be reviewed by the JEI Advisory Committee. Once eligibility is determined, candidates will be notified and sent acceptance materials. The geographic location of applicants and rated jail capacity will be taken into consideration to form a well-rounded class. Applications will be accepted electronically or by mail.

The Jail Executive Institute is a nine-month commitment. The initial portion of the Institute is a one week session held in Omaha, Nebraska on the UNO campus in September 2022. From October 2022 through April 2023, participants meet monthly for a 90-minute virtual session. The JEI concludes with all participants attending AJA’s Conference and Jail Expo. JEI participants deliver oral presentations before a panel of jail experts.

JEI tuition is $2,995 and includes all class materials, lodging for five (5) nights, daily snacks, and three (3) evening meals. Airfare, transportation to/from the airport in Omaha, Nebraska, and some meals are the responsibility of the participant. For more information, visit the AJA website or contact Dr. Mark Foxall.