Heroes Agency Instructor Spotlight

Sergeant Matthew Woodhouse – Anne Arundel County Department of Detention

Sgt. Woodhouse of the Anne Arundel County Department of Detention Facilities in Maryland (AACDDF) is a proud HEROES Agency Instructor. He has been with his agency since 2016 and has dedicated himself to instructing both as a Field Training Officer for new security staff and as an Adjunct Instructor for the department at large. This includes both academy sessions for newer staff, as well as ensuring that yearly benchmarks are completed to compliance standards. Matthew  actively participates in job events for recruitment purposes and he participates in the agency’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) committee.

Matthew says, “I feel very confident about teaching the HEROES curriculum to an audience in the Correctional setting as it taps into not only the roots of the stressors unique to our field, but also research-driven methodology to mitigate those stressors. This profession has much to benefit from Active Bystandership on all levels, both ‘rank and file’ and administratively, as it promotes a culture of open communication and intervention strategies using real world case studies and scenarios. Classes I have instructed have been incredibly receptive to the curriculum and are open to weave in their own personal stories and experiences to reinforce the social science they are exposed to. I constantly remind my classes that ‘Bystandership is in your heart; we are just looking to articulate it.’”

Matthew is a wonderful addition to the HEROES family. His personal integrity shines bright when he teaches and his desire to elevate all his peers is evident in everything he does. Matthew’s naturally fun and relaxed style of teaching, as well as his great sense of humor, makes his classes engaging and enjoyable for all. Thank you, Sergeant Woodhouse, for your leadership in active bystandership!