Meet Kareem Easley: Tuskegee University’s New Chief of Police Committed to Campus Safety and Community Engagement

Meet Chief Kareem Easley, the new head of the Tuskegee University Police Department. With over 20 years of experience in law enforcement, he’s eager to strengthen ties between the police, the university community, and local residents.

“I’m honored to serve this historic university,” says Easley. His main goal? Making sure everyone on campus feels safe. He’s on a mission to build a strong, collaborative environment where students, faculty, and staff can thrive.

Easley believes community policing is key to reducing crime. “We can’t do this alone,” he emphasizes. Input from everyone involved will pave the way for safer streets at Tuskegee.

His journey into law enforcement started at home. His father was a state trooper, exposing him to the world of policing from an early age. However, it was his mother’s caring yet strict upbringing that shaped his approach. “Being kind and helpful was part of my nature,” Easley shares.

Empathy plays a crucial role in his police work. He treats everyone with respect, whether he’s assisting a stranded driver or dealing with a more serious situation. This approach helps build trust in the community.

Easley holds a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Alabama and kicked off his career at the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. He later worked as a probation officer, overseeing offenders and helping them reintegrate into society, which adds a unique perspective to his role at Tuskegee.

In a remarkable feat, during his time with the Birmingham Police Department, Easley led a task force that removed over 1,200 illegal guns from the streets in just a year. His work has consistently demonstrated his commitment to safety and community well-being. Most recently, he served as Chief of Police at Trenholm Community College in Montgomery.

Dr. Mark A. Brown, president of Tuskegee University, supports Easley’s vision. “His leadership will help find the right balance between security and the college experience,” he says, highlighting the importance of thoughtful decision-making in ensuring campus safety.

Statistics show that community policing can significantly reduce crime rates. For instance, a study from the National Institute of Justice found that areas engaged in community policing had up to a 30% drop in crime rates compared to those that did not engage in such practices. This backs up Easley’s approach as a sound strategy for safety.

As Chief Easley begins his leadership at Tuskegee, his focus on collaboration and respect sets a hopeful tone for a safer, more connected campus. The community will play a vital role in creating an environment where everyone can learn and grow safely.

Source link