Jerry Melton has a wealth of experience in law enforcement. GSU Media Relations/Courtesy photo
Jerry Melton has been appointed as permanent chief of police for the Grambling State University Police Department.
Melton has more than 26 years of experience in law enforcement, having previously worked as the director of security at Monroe Regional Airport and as a police officer with the Monroe Police Department.
As police chief, Melton plans to strengthen relations between students at Grambling State University and the campus police.
“Students want to have fun,” Melton said. “But they also want to learn in a safe environment.”
Melton said that he would also like to meet with student leaders on campus, such as Student Government Association and Greek-letter sororities and fraternities, in an effort to strengthen the relationship between the campus police and students.
Melton replaces his former colleague, former chief of Monroe police, Dr. Quentin Holmes, who has served as interim campus police chief since Aug. 9.
Holmes, who replaced former campus police chief Howard Caviness, will continue to serve as special adviser to the chief operating officer of public safety at Grambling State University.
“We look forward to Chief Melton’s contributions to our growing student body and community,” Grambling State University President Rick Gallot said in a news release.
Melton, a native of Ruston, Louisiana, said he decided to pursue a career in law enforcement after graduating with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Northeast Louisiana University (now the University of Louisiana at Monroe).
He first joined the Monroe Police Department in May 1993 and over the years, has worked in various capacities within the department, such as liaison for the Terrorism Intelligence, Organized Crime Task Force and as SWAT Team Commander.
Melton was later appointed to Monroe Regional Airport as director of security by Monroe PD, where he remained until his retirement in September.
Melton said that becoming chief of police for the Grambling State University Police Department has been his proudest accomplishment.
“I’m very pleased with the choice that President Gallot, the faculty and staff gave me to be here,” said Melton.
Melton also that said he always wanted to be a part of a historically black college.
“I wasn’t fortunate enough to get a scholarship when I played ball for Ruston High School. So this a chance for me to come back home,” Melton said.