This interpretative phenomenological analysis study explored how the lived experiences of seven sheriffs residing in Louisiana, while transitioning through various training phases in their careers, influenced their progression, perceptions, and leadership practices. After reviewing both the President Executive Task Force on 21st Century Final Report (2015) and the "Evidence-Assessment of the President's Task Force's Recommendations on 21st Century Policing Implementation and Research Priorities" (2016), the researcher identified a gap in available data which focused on the effects of training on leadership development in the law enforcement. The researcher utilized a qualitative method of in-depth interviews and Colaizzi's (1978) Phenomenological Data Analysis model to identify conceptual patterns and themes from the collected data. The researcher used the line-by-line coding method along with NVivo and Delve Tool software to verify identified conceptual patterns and themes from the collected data. The researcher utilized the assistance of a research team and auditor to address bias in the data collection process. Five superordinate themes of influence emerged as the result of the interviews: (a) training academy influence, (b) field training influence, (c) influence from support for career advancement, (d) influence on perceptions of leadership from pathways chosen, and (e) influences from internal and external environmental factors. The first superordinate theme, training academy influences, referred to the participants' experiences while entering and completing a law enforcement training academy and their connection to the development of perceptions, progression, and leadership practices of the participants. The second superordinate theme, field-training influence, referred to the participants' experiences transitioning through the field training phase. The third superordinate theme, support for career advancement, referred to the participants' training opportunities and support received while progressing towards the leadership position of sheriff. The fourth superordinate theme, perceptions about paths to leadership, referred to the participants' reflections on their leadership progress and any reflection of changes in the pathway chosen. The fifth superordinate theme, influence from internal and external environmental factors, referred to the participants' perceptions of the current training process and what improvements could help new officers on the pathway towards leadership. The findings of this study have five points of significance. First, the findings helped to provide further insight into the influences new officers are exposed to when transitioning through various training phases in their careers. Second, this study's findings added data to the discussion of who should be involved when addressing issues in police training at the state and local levels. Third, the findings raised awareness of remaining problematic areas in developing training opportunities to cultivate new leaders within a law enforcement organization. Fourth, this study's results also gave insight into the complexity of the promotion process for new officers pursuing leadership in the law enforcement profession. Fifth, the findings help to give further insight into how those in law enforcement view leadership and how one becomes a leader. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]