South Gate : Police Detective Wins Full Scholarship to Law School

South Gate police detective Robert M. Todd has been awarded a $22,000 scholarship to attend Western State University College of Law in Fullerton.

Todd, who received one of two full tuition scholarships given annually by the law school to sworn law enforcement officers, will start fall classes today at the Fullerton campus. The other scholarship went to a San Diego police officer who will attend the San Diego campus of the university.

Todd was chosen because of his work experience, his prior academic achievement and the potential for further scholastic success, said Joel H. Goodman, dean of admissions.

A 7-member committee is made up of academic representatives and law enforcement personnel, including Fullerton Police Chief Philip Goehring, selected Todd from among 15 finalists, Goodman said.

A policeman for nine years, Todd said he will continue to work as a detective in the assault, domestic violence and child abuse bureau while attending evening law classes. It should take him four years to complete the course, he estimated.

Todd said he probably will specialize in labor negotiation law. He is president of the South Gate Police Assn., which negotiates salaries and benefits for its 80 rank-and-file members.

Todd, 29, started working with the South Gate Police Department as a cadet upon graduation from South Gate High School. He became a police officer after finishing Rio Hondo Police Academy. Todd worked as a patrolman and motorcycle traffic officer before becoming a detective.

He has an associate of arts degree in administration of justice from Cerritos College and a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice administration from Cal State Fullerton. He and his wife, Susan, 29, have two children, Krista, 9, and Brent, 8.