University of Memphis selects former Little Rock law enforcement official as next police chief
Former Little Rock police chief Keith Humphrey was selected as the University of Memphis new police chief, the university said Monday in a press release. Humphrey, a long-time law enforcement professional, has served as the chief of police for three municipal administrations before retiring with the Little Rock Police Department in May 2022.
“Chief Humphrey comes to the University of Memphis with decades of experience in law enforcement, and it is his dedication to lifelong learning and community engagement that makes him the right person for this essential role on our campuses,” said Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer/Chief Financial Officer Rene Bustamante. “He will play a vital role in our campuswide efforts to maintain a safe and supportive environment where everyone can thrive academically, professionally and personally.”
Humphrey's started his career in Arlington, Texas serving as a patrol, training and internal affairs sergeant for five years. He was promoted to the geographic patrol sector commander and later became the criminal support commander.
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Humphrey's served as the chief of police for Lancaster, Texas and Norman, Oklahoma before serving as the chief of police for Little Rock.
“I have always appreciated Chief Humphrey’s leadership, vision and commitment to public service,” said Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott, a University of Memphis alum.
The university said that during the search, the selection committee's top priority was to identify a candidate with a commitment to diversity and inclusion, a proven track record and a "deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities within a campus environment."
“I am honored and humbled to have been selected to head the University of Memphis Police Department. My desire and passion for this position exists because I recognize a university as a unique 24/7/365 community,” Humphrey said in the press release.
Brooke Muckerman covers Shelby County Government for The Commercial Appeal. She can be reached at (901) 484-6225, brooke.muckerman@commercialappeal.com and followed on X, formerly known as Twitter @BrookeMuckerman.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Keith Humphrey selected as next University of Memphis police chief
