Commander Jacoby O’Gwynn of the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office recently graduated from the 13-week Southern Police Institute’s Administrative Officers Course at the University of Louisville.

O’Gwynn, who commands the sheriff’s patrol division, was elected president of his class. He earned the “Dean’s Scholar” award for earning a letter grade of “A” in all five classes he attended. He also earned 15 hours of college credit for the completion of the course.

SPI’s Web site described the course as designed to develop informed, effective, ethically and technically competent law enforcement managers to assume leadership positions. The comprehensive development program provides instruction in law enforcement issues, diagnostic problem solving and administrative law. Students use their individual creativity and initiative through the analytical examination of issues and problems faced by contemporary law enforcement executives.

Graduates of this program will: 

• Possess the knowledge and skills required to manage and to direct the resources of any law enforcement agency.

• Be prepared to deal effectively with the complicated and important administrative issues confronting law enforcement managers.

• Possess an understanding of current law enforcement operational philosophy and practice.

• Possess an understanding of the contemporary legal responsibilities of law enforcement administrators.

• Be able to apply contemporary methods of problem identification, evaluation and solution.

• Possess the knowledge and skills required to evaluate efficiency and effectiveness of law enforcement operations.

O’Gwynn said the class was the most challenging school he’s completed in his 15-year career in law enforcement.

“The course gives you the knowledge and tools to become a better leader both in your professional career and personal life,” O’Gwynn said. “Understanding the stresses and diversities that we face in jobs everyday has made me a better leader. This course gives you the skills to cope with these obstacles and overcome them in both your personal life as well as your professional life.”

Knowledge he gained in the class will make him a better commander, he said.

“The exposure to different ideas, philosophies, and implementations of law enforcement practices will not only help me but, also benefit our sheriff’s office,” O’Gwynn said. “The Administrative Officers Course took me from seeing things in a one dimensional manner to seeing things in a three dimensional manner.”

O’Gwynn hopes to implement many concepts and policing strategies he learned at SPI.

“I am grateful that I have the sheriff and chiefs who have an open mind to law enforcement,” O’Gwynn said. “There is a new era of policing that we are headed toward, and I am looking forward to helping lead the way for our department and community.”