SLED Supports Ongoing Education for Law Enforcement Professionals

Select SLED leadership joins other law enforcement professionals across the state as graduates of the University of South Carolina Joseph F. Rice School of Law’s Excellence in Policing and Public Safety (EPPS) Program. 

The program was a legislatively funded effort to assist South Carolina law enforcement agencies to enhance the delivery of public safety services through collaborative training, assistance, research, and community partnerships. On completion of the program, the group received an Executive Credential in Police Leadership (ECPL), which is intended to improve the skills of law enforcement executives. Selected candidates must commit to attending the entire program, and agency heads must support that commitment.

SLED has participated in this training program since its inception, with three graduates in the past three years, and one enrolled in the 4th Cohort, which began in April.

SLED’s first graduate was Major Stewart Robertson (pictured in the last row, 5th from left) who oversees the Counter Terrorism Department. He completed the course in March of 2025 and was one of the original 16 cohorts in the University’s inaugural program.  

"The EPPS program is unique in that it strategically and purposely selects a particular cohort from a list of qualified law enforcement and public safety professionals who represent the diversity of all law enforcement agencies throughout the state,” Major Robertson said. “This cohort selection allows for equal representation from the larger agencies, smaller agencies, rural agencies, urban agencies, and state agencies. One major success of the program is the cohort itself and this selection process. It allows for relationship building/networking, collaboration, mentoring, and partnerships to form which most likely would not have had an opportunity for such until the EPPS program intentionally designed this unique model.”

Cohort 2 included SLED Assistant Chief Richard Gregory (pictured in row two, 2nd from the left) who was one of 15 law enforcement leaders across the state to graduate on Friday, May 9th, 2025. 

"The Excellence in Policing and Public Safety Program at the University of South Carolina Joseph F. Rice School of Law challenged me to think differently about leadership, public trust, and the future of policing,” SLED Assistant Chief Gregory said. “As a member of Cohort 2, I had the opportunity to learn alongside law enforcement leaders from across South Carolina while participating in evidence-based discussions focused on real-world public safety challenges. The program represents a forward-looking investment in public safety leadership and equips leaders with the tools to build stronger organizations, strengthen community trust, and improve public safety outcomes throughout our state.”

Cohort 3 began on June 16, 2025, and SLED Captain of the Midlands Region, Derrick Horton (pictured 2nd from the left), along with 15 others, graduated on January 30, 2026.                                          

“The EPPS program, particularly the ECPL course, strives to give South Carolina’s law enforcement leaders the tools necessary to carry this profession forward, adaptively meet and overcome challenges, and ensure those who come after us are properly equipped to do the same,” Captain Horton said.  “It was an honor and privilege for me to have been selected, and I appreciated the opportunity to learn from and spend time with some of the most educated public safety professionals in South Carolina, especially my fellow cohort members.” 

The Executive Credential in Police Leadership (ECPL) course provides cutting edge insight that the university program is constantly refining based on feedback from earlier cohorts. 

“The Excellence in Policing and Public Safety Program Team is honored to support the professionals who serve our communities across our state.”  EPPS Executive Director Chris Cowan said.  ED Cowan stated, “the Program is unique because we facilitate adult education through a radical approach away from traditional ‘training’.  With peer-to-peer learning instead of passive lecture methods, we are proud to focus on advancing leadership and the police profession in our great state.  We will continue to support agencies across our State providing interdisciplinary perspectives and an evidence-based focus.   We congratulate SLED’s graduates and are thankful for Chief Keels continued commitment to professional development.”

Cohort 4 includes SLED Lieutenant Chad Mullinix.  Lt. Mullinix is one of 20 law enforcement leaders committed to this program.  The group meets once a month, for 3-4 days per session, from April 2026 through November 2026.  Participants explore principles of leadership and management, communications, co-production in policing, civil rights, evidence-based policing, and a range of other topics with a hands-on, practical approach.