Captain Andrew Swarthout oversees the Operations Support Division, which is comprised of the Investigations Bureau, Special Enforcement Bureau, Crime Lab, SWAT Team, Crisis Negotiators, Bomb Squad, and Unmanned Aerial Systems Unit.
Captain Andrew Swarthout began his law enforcement career with the Visalia Police Department in 2006. In 2017, Andrew was promoted to the rank of Agent where he supervised the Homeless Outreach and Proactive Enforcement (HOPE) Team and the Commercial Policing Unit. In October 2017, Andrew was promoted to Sergeant and was assigned to the Patrol Division. In 2019, he was promoted to Lieutenant where he held assignments as Night Watch Commander, District 1 Commander, SWAT Commander and the Special Enforcement Bureau Commander.
Captain Swarthout holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice and a Master’s Degree in Law Enforcement and Public Safety Leadership from the University of San Diego. He is also a graduate of the CA Police Chief’s Executive Leadership Institute (ELI) at Drucker School of Management.
What motivated you to be a LEPSL ambassador?
The LEPSL program was such a vital part of my career and life, I feel a duty to give back in some way. This program makes our industry better by creating effective leaders with purpose. If I can be a small part of that process, I will.
Why did you choose the LEPSL program? What made LEPSL stand out in comparison to other schools/programs?
The LEPSL program stood out to me because it was the only Master’s program that was geared toward command staff level education. The course outlined consisted of topics like policy, budget, grant writing, media relations, community engagement, conflict resolution, and organizational theory. At the completion of my time in the program, I was promoted to lieutenant and was able to effectively move into my position with the knowledge and skills I developed during the LEPSL program.
What were your concerns about starting a graduate program?
The amount of time I would need to dedicate and balance my work and home life. At the time I was in the program, I had two small children.
How did the LEPSL program help you achieve your career goals?
I was promoted to lieutenant and then captain. I do not hold back when I talk about the LEPSL program’s part in the success that I’ve had at my department. I have attended so many professional development courses and none of them were as valuable to me as the LEPSL program.
What advice would you share with prospective LEPSL applicants?
First I would explain the value in the discussion groups. I was able to learn from so many different people, with very different levels of experience. In one discussion post I was getting feedback from a current Chief of Police, which ended up assisting me with an issue at my department. Another piece of advice would be that the program goes by so quickly, enjoy each class and take in every part of the experience because before you know it, you’re graduating.
Did you have a favorite instructor?
It’s a tie between Mike Loarie and Duane Voss, I owe them significantly.
What were you balancing while participating in the LEPSL program?
I was a new supervisor in Patrol, I also had two small children, a wife, and was involved in a community group.
How did you stay motivated throughout the program in the face of competing priorities in your life?
The amazing instructors kept me going and motivated. I’m also naturally competitive.
LEPSL Graduating Class:
2020