The Valley Leadership program devotes an entire day per class to the examination of criminal justice topics. Top professionals in the criminal justice community address the class and answer questions about current events and concerns in law enforcement, corrections, and the courts. Tours are conducted of various facilities, including jails, prisons, courtrooms, and training facilities. Police participants learn about issues (other than crime) that are of concern to the community and have the opportunity to interact with current and future community leaders. Valley Leadership alumni include members of current and past city councils, as well as State legislators from the Phoenix area. The department's class members have an opportunity to talk to others about programs and issues within the agency during the informal discussions that occur before, during, and after issue days. At the core of community-based policing is the formation of partnerships to improve the quality of life in the jurisdiction. The partnership between a local, county, or State police agency and a community leadership organization leads to opportunities for both partners and the community.