APD Sergeant is Valedictorian of Officer's Development Course

 

Last Friday, Clutter graduated from the 94th Command Officer's Development Course, an intense five-month training program held by the Southern Police Institute. But not only did he graduate, but he was also the Valedictorian!

 

Clutter is a supervisor for the APD's evening squad. He's been a member of the APD for six years and a law enforcement officer since 2009.

 

Apopka Police Chief Michael McKinley was impressed with Clutter's accomplishment.

 

 

"It is truly inspiring to see our personnel attend courses designed to enhance their leadership and management skills, thereby equipping them for the challenges they may face in the future," said McKinley. Sergeant Clutters' recent graduation serves as a testament to the dedication our personnel exhibit towards their careers and our community. We take immense pride in Sergeant Clutters' remarkable achievement of being one of the class valedictorians. His representation of the Apopka Police Department reflects not only his individual commitment but also his collective hard work throughout the entire course. We express our heartfelt appreciation for his diligence and commendable efforts."

 

According to its website, the SPI is a division of the Department of Criminal Justice, College of Arts and Sciences, at the University of Louisville. It is an advanced education and training institute whose mission is to enhance the professional development of law enforcement practitioners. We accomplish this mission by providing educational and career development programs that are designed to challenge and to prepare law enforcement practitioners for the demands of today and tomorrow. The Southern Police Institute is consistently ranked among the nation's top law enforcement educational and training schools.

Since the creation of the Southern Police Institute in 1951, its program of instruction has been grounded in the belief that law enforcement is a demanding activity requiring the highest level of professional preparation. The Southern Police Institute was established by its founders to provide a place where that preparation can be undertaken. The present faculty and staff dedicate themselves to this mission and continue to maintain the standards of excellence established by our founders. They are uniquely qualified as researchers, consultants, teachers, and former law enforcement practitioners to guide and direct the educational needs of today's law enforcement professionals.

Clutter said the 400-500 hour program lasted five months with two-week periods per month. He says his time at the SPI benefitted him in more ways than just the training.

"My biggest takeaway from this course, beyond the instructional material provided, was the opportunity to learn, network, and build lasting friendships with law enforcement leaders from other agencies. As Clermont Chief Chuck Broadway quoted in his speech, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” This quote was a great representation of my experience with the Command Officer Development Course."