Commander Alita Gaskill (Ret.) brings more than 25 years of distinguished service with the Prince George’s County Police Department, where she held roles including Community Policing Officer, Investigator, and Customer Service Liaison for the Chief of Police. She led numerous sections within the Bureaus of Patrol, Administration, and Forensic Science and Investigations. Her exceptional contributions earned her several accolades, including the Chief’s Award, District Commander’s Award, and multiple Unit Citations and Letters of Commendation.
Alita holds a B.S. in Computer Science from Lincoln University, an M.S. in Management from Johns Hopkins University, and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Criminal Justice Leadership at Liberty University. She also completed the prestigious Police Executive Leadership Program at Johns Hopkins.
In her current role as Assistant Director of Safety and Security at the First Baptist Church of Glenarden International, Alita leads a team of police officers and oversees the Safety and Security Department. She also serves as an Adjunct Professor of Criminal Justice at Bowie State University and as a Conflict Resolution Instructor for the Insight Conflict Resolution Program (ICRP).
Alita’s extensive experience as a law enforcement leader, educator, and safety director allows her to bring a well-rounded and practical perspective to her training. She leverages her background in communication, management, and community engagement to connect deeply with her students, fostering meaningful learning experiences.
Learn more about Cmdr. Gaskill in the full Q&A below.
How did you hear about and get started with CAICR and Insight Policing?
I first got involved with Insight Policing through Mike Delaney, who works closely with Megan as a Senior Trainer with CAICR. We had previously worked together with the Prince George’s County Police Department. Mike and I are both retired now, but we’ve stayed in touch. Knowing my interests and background, he introduced me to Insight Policing and invited me to take a class. I attended the initial session, and that’s where it all began for me.
What interested you about this work?
A few factors drew me to Insight Policing. First, conflict resolution has always been important to me, especially during my time as a commander in the police department. I oversaw many officers, and it was crucial to ensure they were handling situations the right way. When I took the Insight Policing class, I immediately saw the value—it’s exactly the kind of training officers need to improve communication.
In addition to my law enforcement background, I also teach stress management at Bowie State and am currently pursuing a doctoral degree in criminal justice leadership. My goal is to help train officers and support their professional growth. All of these interests came together, and that’s what sparked my passion for moving forward with this training.
What is your favorite part of your role here?
My favorite part of the role is the opportunity to apply my experience and training to help others learn more about law enforcement and support officers in becoming better at what they do. I also love meeting new people. It’s rewarding to connect with individuals from all walks of life, and I enjoy the diversity of perspectives I encounter through this work.
What experience prepared you for this role?
My law enforcement experience is definitely a key part of what I bring to the table. As a commander and supervisor, I was prepared for the challenges of conflict resolution. Many officers initially approach Insight Policing with some hesitation, but because I’ve been in their shoes, I can speak from real experience. I’m able to connect with them on a level that someone without that background might not. When they see that I’ve been in the field, they’re more likely to trust and listen to what I have to say. That experience makes all the difference.
What do you think is the most effective part of what you do?
I think the most effective part is when we do scenarios and bring everything together. It’s when participants get to see the concepts in action and actually practice them. That hands-on experience helps them truly grasp the material and understand it more deeply.
What impact are you hoping to have being part of Insight Policing?:
My goal is to encourage more law enforcement officers to participate in this program and take these classes. As I mentioned earlier, I also want to share my experiences with everyone, not just officers. By combining what I've learned with the principles of Insight Policing, I hope to make a meaningful impact.
What is a common theme you notice when teaching classes?
From my experience, once people begin to understand what Insight Policing is all about, they’re eager to learn more. They’re excited to apply what they’ve learned in real-life situations, and that’s something I’ve consistently noticed.
Do you have any interactions or outcomes that stand out to you from training?
I apply the same approach with the people I work with. I’ve seen a noticeable difference in how I communicate with others based on what I’ve learned. I think that’s a big deal.
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