The Narcotics Commanders School covers a wide range of critical topics, including leadership and ethics in narcotics enforcement.
Courtesy photo
BENNETTSVILLE — In a significant step forward for local law enforcement leadership, Walter L. Baker of the Bennettsville Police Department has successfully completed the Narcotics Commanders School, a rigorous and highly selective training program designed to prepare supervisors for the complex demands of managing narcotics units in today’s evolving landscape.
Hosted by the Law Enforcement Coordinating Committee (LECC) in partnership with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers’ Association (SCLEOA) and the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy, this four-and-a-half-day course equips officers with advanced skills in drug unit management, operational planning, and inter-agency collaboration.
The Narcotics Commanders School covers a wide range of critical topics, including leadership and ethics in narcotics enforcement, managing perscription pill investigations and virtual currency cases, navigating “going dark” technology challenges, operational liability and supervisory responsibilities, and building partnerships with federal and state agencies.
Participants are selected through a competitive application process, with only 28 officers admitted per session. Baker’s acceptance and successful completion of the program (which hasn’t been done in the past eight years) reflect both his professional excellence and his readiness to lead with integrity and strategic insight.
Baker’s graduation marks a new chapter in his law enforcement career. With this advanced training, he is now better equipped to oversee narcotics operations, mentor junior officers, and implement proactive strategies that protect the community while upholding the highest standards of justice.
His achievement also signals Bennettsville’s growing commitment to professional development and modern policing. As narcotics investigations become more complex, leaders like Baker are essential to ensuring that local agencies remain effective, ethical, and community-focused.
Congratulations to Walter L. Baker — your dedication and leadership are making Bennettsville stronger, safer and more prepared for the challenges ahead.