Cocoa Police Commander Pat Dovale Completes Northwestern University Center for Public Safety Training Course

By Space Coast Daily // May 8, 2024

joined the Cocoa Police Department in 1997

Cocoa Police Chief Evander Collier IV announced Commander Pat Dovale has completed a high-level training curriculum from Northwestern University Center for Public Safety. (Cocoa PD image)

BREVARD COUNTY • COCOA, FLORIDA – Cocoa Police Chief Evander Collier IV announced Commander Pat Dovale has completed a high-level training curriculum from Northwestern University Center for Public Safety.

The 22-week course provided upper-level college instruction in twenty-seven core blocks of subject matter including leadership, human resources, employee relations, organizational behavior, applied statistics, planning and policy development, budgeting, and resource allocation.

The program challenges students through written examinations, projects, presentations, and quizzes in addition to a staff study.

As part of the training curriculum, Commander Dovale examined police recruitment and the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies nationwide.

He used this as part of his staff study requirement, citing the difficulties of finding qualified police recruits without having to lower standards. Commander Dovale also studied officer wellness and said it is one of the most important priorities for today’s law enforcement leaders.

“This important training will undoubtedly help equip our leadership team with the skills needed to provide sound and effective leadership,” said Chief Evander Collier IV.

“I am proud of Commander Dovale’s accomplishment. It is a testament to his dedication and commitment to this agency and the community we serve.”

Commander Dovale joined the Cocoa Police Department in 1997. He holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the University of Central Florida. He is currently responsible for the Patrol Division, Criminal Investigations Division, and Professional Compliance and Internal Affairs.

The Center for Public Safety was established at Northwestern University in 1936 with the specific goal of expanding university-based education and training for the law enforcement community.

Since its inception, the Center has broadened its original objective and now provides a variety of courses and programs in the area of police training, management training, and executive development.