Jacobsen graduates from School of Police Staff and Command

Sgt. Curtus Jacobsen of the Osceola Police Department has graduated from the School of Police Staff and Command (SPSC) at Northwestern University. The advanced 10-week course prepares students for managing more responsibilities and making the most of available resources. Jacobsen is the second officer from Osceola to graduate from the program, with Osceola Police Chief Duffus completed his instruction in February 2016.

Intensive studies

“It’s a lot of information in a short period of time, kind of like drinking from a fire hose,” said Jacobsen. “The classes were pretty challenging.”

The program lasted from March 7 – August 19, 2016, and comprised of two weeks study sessions including 22 candidates from all over the Midwest. The program covered 27-core blocks of instruction, covering topics from organizational behavior to budgeting and resource allocation. Upon completion, students are eligible for six undergraduate credts from Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois.

Fringe benefits

In addition to learning how to put today’s best methods for law enforcement administration to work in real situations, graduates take with them a host of benefits aimed at making them more effective leaders in the future. Networking, all on its own, provides candidates with a leg up.

“Certainly the exchange of ideas with others from the area is valuable as well,” Duffus said.

What was the most important thing Jacobsen took from his studies?

“Something I picked up from that class is that we face the same issues as the big city departments,” he said. “I think our biggest challenge is probably trying to prevent crime before it happens.”