Johnson C. Smith University has hired Gregory C. Harris as its new Chief of Police for its Department of Public Safety. Chief Harris, a full-time instructor and faculty member in the Criminal Justice Department at South Carolina State University will officially begin on February 15.

JCSU made the announcement Thursday, February 4, 2010, during a special meet and greet session which was well-attended by faculty, staff, students, and the Charlotte community. "The opportunity to serve as the new Chief of Police at Johnson C. Smith University is one that I am honored to accept," Harris said. "It is my goal to continue to build the department through strategic planning, training and equipping the staff with professional development and current technology that will assist in the safety and security for the Johnson C. Smith University community."

Chief Harris brings nearly 21 years of domestic, international, public, private and government management expertise to JCSU. He has served as Chief of Police for the second largest Division I university police department in the state of South Carolina and Special Agent Senior /Narcotic Agent for the Georgia Bureau of Investigations. He was the director of state and private law enforcement agencies of various sizes in cities such as Atlanta, GA, Marietta, GA, Columbus, GA, Orangeburg, SC and Clemson, SC. Chief Harris also directed security efforts for a parking venue during the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games and managed security operations at the 2007 Democratic Presidential Debate held at South Carolina State University.

"Chief Harris brings a phenomenal amount of expertise in regards to public safety," said President Ronald L. Carter, Johnson C. Smith University. "Our institution looks forward to working with Chief Harris as he helps to implement the various enhanced safety measures for our students, faculty and staff."

His JCSU responsibilities will include security and safety of the University's campus and its immediate surrounding area, building long lasting relationships with local law enforcement officials, and assisting with the enhancement of the University's image in the Greater Charlotte community. Chief Harris will be instrumental in providing leadership and guidance on all emergency related matters that involves the entire campus community.

Chief Harris will oversee a force of sworn officers, security officers and auxiliary student patrol officers. He will also oversee the establishment of a Dispatch Center on the University's main campus for the first time in its history.

Chief Harris is a 1994 graduate of Saint Leo University, where he received a BA degree in Criminology (Magna Cum Laude). He received his Masters degree in Public Administration from Kennesaw State University in 1998.

For more information, contact JCSU Public Relations Director Benny L. Smith at 704-378-1032.