There is a new cop in town, with the recent hiring of the new chief of police, Dr. Garry Williams.
Williams joins Grambling leaving 23 years of employment behind as an administrative sergeant for the New Orleans Police Department.
Initially, he was satisfied with being in New Orleans, but something within him created a desire to come to the “place where everybody is somebody”. “This is a great opportunity. Grambling holds a legacy, not just in band and football, but also in producing graduates of professionalism,” says Williams.
In addition, he explained, “It was my calling to come help GSU reform its police department.”
Originally, he is from the windy city of Chicago, Illinois. He grew up on the Southside, which has been known for being one of the roughest areas in the city.
There, he started out working with the Chicago Special Police, which worked primarily with the housing projects of the Westside.
During his childhood, there were a few black policemen that inspired Williams to go into law enforcement.
“It was always good to see a black officer because he tended to be more understanding,” Williams said.
Nevertheless, if you look at the diversity in Dr. Williams’ education, you might wonder how he came about law enforcement.
For instance, Williams does have an associate’s in criminal justice from Delgado Junior College in New Orleans. Yet, he has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Southwest University in Kenner, and Williams has a master’s degree in sports management/marketing from the United States Sports Academy in Daphne, Ala. What is more, Dr. Williams holds a Ph.D. in organizational behavior and management from Union Institute and University in Cincinnati.
It is uncommon for a chief of police to have such a level of education. When asked why he chose to obtain a Ph.D., Dr. Williams said, “I ultimately want to teach on a level of higher learning.”
He has already gained some experience in teaching at Delgado. Williams taught introduction to management as a part-time instructor. Nonetheless, he is convinced that he is presently needed more on the police force.
Dr. Williams has more than 50 photos of black males, younger than 27, who have been killed because of black-on-black crime. The graphic pictures are actual shots of victims on the crime scene found dead.
“This is just another form of genocide. Why are we killing each other? It’s crazy,” said Williams.
His encounters through his experiences have been very discouraging. In spite of that, Dr. Williams feels his mission is to help rid the community, especially the black community, of destruction and self-destruction.
As for the GSU Police Department, Williams has many plans and goals in store. “This Police Department is in a reforming process, and hopefully, we will be able to bring it up to a national standard,” he indicated.
With this in mind, Williams wishes to assemble with students and organizations to hear their concerns and complaints. “Crime problems will not be solved, if the GSU community fails to get involved,” suggested Williams.
On the other hand, he realizes that some students will not come forth and be heard. His resolution is in the making, which is to create a website where students can anonymously provide crime reports and complaints.
“It was very successful in New Orleans,” said Williams.
Other implementations of his include having a crime map. This will divide the campus up into sectors of where crime occurs. “You have to know where the problems are. That’s how you deploy manpower!” exclaimed Williams.
Dr. Williams has some advice for the on campus criminals of GSU.
“Think about being socially conscious. Check up from the neck up. Learn your history,” he said.
This university is about making future leaders not gangsters. We will sort out you individuals who don’t want to be leaders.”
As a result, Grambling State University is definitely in good hands.
This new chief comes off optimistic, with a genuine interest in the university. He encourages students, faculty, and staff to give him a chance.
“If you work with me, I’ll do everything I can to eradicate the problems we face.”