Drew Gortmaker began his career with the Vermillion Police Department in 2017. During his tenure in Vermillion, he has worked as a patrol officer and detective. In 2022, Drew was promoted to Lieutenant of the Criminal Investigations Division. Drew holds several instructorships in de-escalation, ethics, bias-based policing, and interview & interrogation. Drew is also responsible for conducting internal affairs investigations.
Drew obtained his BS in Criminal Justice from the University of South Dakota in 2015 and completed his MS in Law Enforcement and Public Safety Leadership from the University of San Diego in 2022. Drew graduated from Northwestern University Center for Public Safety School of Staff & Command with class #572 in 2024.
What motivated you to be a LEPSL ambassador?
Being a member of the LEPSL family has been exceptionally rewarding. Since I graduated in 2022, I have been working to encourage South Dakota law enforcement officers to embark on the LEPSL journey. I recruited my colleague, Mr. Hank Prim, to enroll in the program as the Law Enforcement Training Coordinator for the State of South Dakota. One of the strengths of the LEPSL program is the ability to network with professionals that I might otherwise not interact. As an ambassador, I would strengthen my network and increase my ability to collaborate.
Why did you choose the LEPSL program? What made LEPSL stand out in comparison to other schools/programs?
I chose the LEPSL program after extensive research into various leadership-based online programs. The reason I chose LEPSL is the specialization for law enforcement leaders throughout the country. The intense curriculum encompasses the necessities required to be a successful executive law enforcement officer. I knew that my cohort would have extensive experience and allow me to quickly grow into my career. I knew that as a young officer, I could share a new perspective on law enforcement topics while allowing my cohort additional opportunities to grow and flourish. The LEPSL program is nationally recognized as one of the best online master’s programs for law enforcement professionals. After completing this program and achieving a master’s degree, I was catapulted ahead of my peers when I was promoted to Lieutenant in 2022 after only 5 years in law enforcement.
What were your concerns about starting a graduate program?
The main concern I had when starting this program was time management. At the time, I was working as a detective with an extensive caseload. This program assisted in strengthening my time management ability as I had to balance time between my family, career, and academia.
How did the LEPSL program help you achieve your career goals?
The LEPSL program is continuously assisting me in achieving my career goals. When I started as a patrol officer in 2017, my goal was to become a Chief of Police. I always thought that it was a position that would see in several decades. After completing LEPSL, I found that I now had the tools to be an excellent executive law enforcement officer for my department. I currently oversee the Criminal Investigations Division for my agency. The next rank that I can achieve is Chief of Police. After two years as a Lieutenant, LEPSL has placed me in a position to be the next Chief of Police for my agency.
What advice would you share with prospective LEPSL applicants?
Take the leap. Your career will be filled with opportunities to promote and achieve higher levels of responsibility and influence in the law enforcement profession. Completing the LEPSL program will position you ahead of your peers in career development. You will obtain the tools to be an excellent leader in the profession and become an ambassador for positive change. While the program can be daunting, the excellent faculty and staff provide you with the tools to effectively complete your assignment and shape you into a better version of yourself.
What was your favorite LEPSL course?
My favorite course in the LEPSL program was Contemporary Issues in Law Enforcement and Public Safety. This course allowed me the ability to examine current issues in law enforcement while discussing possible solutions with my peers from other agencies.
What were you balancing while participating in the LEPSL program?
While enrolled in LEPSL, I was balancing a significant caseload as a detective of general crimes. I maintained a caseload of approximately 15-20 cases while effectively completing my assigned coursework. I was also balancing the birth of my first child and maintaining a healthy relationship with my wife.
How did you stay motivated throughout the program in the face of competing priorities in your life?
Staying motivated through adversity is a key component that is taught through LEPSL. While it is not in the curriculum, each student will face adversity throughout the case. I was able to stay motivated by staying on course and keeping my eyes ahead. The completion of the program is like nothing else. It is motivating to know that you have completed a nationally-recognized program while networking with some of the nation’s best law enforcement executives.
LEPSL Graduating Class:
2022