The Charles County Sheriff’s Office is pleased to announce that four commanders—Captain Louis C. Schmidt III, Lieutenant Paul D. Morgan, Lieutenant Dorrell Savoy, and Sergeant Amber Hancock—recently graduated from the Northwestern University Center for Public Safety’s School of Police Staff and Command (SPSC). The nationally recognized 10?week program provides advanced leadership and management education for mid? and upper?level law enforcement supervisors, blending academic theory with practical application in areas such as organizational behavior, strategic planning, resource allocation, and contemporary policing.
Captain Schmidt, who serves as the Commander of the Support Services Division, was honored to be named Vice President for SPSC Class #632. “Northwestern provided a national perspective for issues, given that instructors came from all over the country, and it was interesting to see where challenges and successes were similar and different. The second thing it provided was a reminder about how important academic rigor can be when creating professional products. Good research, good drafting, revisions, and feedback all play an important role in getting law enforcement projects right the first time.”
Lieutenant Savoy, who serves in Patrol Operations, said his experience at Northwestern strengthened his appreciation for the value senior officers bring through leadership, mentorship, and institutional knowledge. He also emphasized the importance of building professional connections with agencies across the region, noting that shared ideas and collaboration help improve public safety and create stronger, more adaptable organizations.
Lieutenant Morgan, who currently serves in the Patrol Division, said the program emphasized the importance of leaders caring for their personnel to strengthen overall performance across the agency. He also noted that SPSC helped him shift from short?term decision?making to a more forward?thinking leadership approach focused on long?term planning.
Sergeant Hancock, assigned to the Custody and Security Division at the Charles County Detention Center, said the course taught her to look beyond immediate concerns and consider how decisions and policies affect the long?term direction of the agency. She added that understanding what motivates employees and practicing strong communication are essential leadership tools, particularly in a correctional environment. Sergeant Hancock also served as a Class Co?Activities Director.
Sheriff Troy D. Berry said, “Northwestern’s School of Police Staff and Command is one of the most respected leadership programs in the country, and we are proud of these commanders for completing such a rigorous course. Their commitment to professional growth strengthens our agency and enhances the service we provide to our community.” The Charles County Sheriff’s Office congratulates all four graduates on completing this distinguished executive leadership program.
