The Southern University and A&M College Police Department celebrated a groundbreaking ceremony next to the Southern University Horace W. Moody Intramural Sports Complex to reveal the construction of a brand-new Police department headquarters. On Thursday, October 17, the 9 month project was announced by Southern University administrators Chancellor John K. Pierre, President-Chancellor Dennis J. Shields, and supporting parties from surrounding communities and law enforcement agencies.
The current police station, located on Robert E. Smith Blvd, still remains strong and actively operating for over 70+ years. Today, it serves as the university’s main headquarters for administrative mitigations in traffic and parking, in addition to Detective Headquarters located in Moore Hall and Campus Safety/Uniform Patrol located in the J.S Clark Administration Annex.
Lieutenant Kenneth Guy, serving 24 years to the program, expressed the excitement and logistics of the two-story headquarters that will bring accessibility to the back of campus. “I say for the past 3 years, those involved have really worked hard to get this building rolling and running,” stated Lt. Guy. “I want the students to know that we’ve been working on a professional level to accommodate and hold space for them throughout this process.”
With the help of federal funding, donors, and support from law enforcement agencies – this project aims to house all saftey departments under one roof closer to the residential living quarters by the 2nd guard shack.
“I’m so excited for us to be at this point of history, I say history because as a 25 year employee of this department – I’ve heard at least for 10 years that we were going to be getting a new building, and it never came to be”, expressed Chief Jocelyn Johnson.
Chief Johnson continued by detailing the upgrades which are predicted to increase accessibility of safety resources to both on-campus residents and commuters.
The Southern University Police Department has actively launched campaigns during this Fall 2024 semester such as, “See Something, Say Something,” as well as introducing their newest canine addition to the police department, Skye the a therapy dog, handled by Lieutenant Gregory Rogers.
The department also disclosed new implementation of specially trained K9’s skilled to detect “bombs, or any notable hazards that may be located on campus”.
With 28 years of service, the longest active employee of the department, Deputy Administrator Kevin Johnson offers his support and staff in contribution to making students feel at ease while securing the campus. “We want the students to get the word out and feel comfortable to come in and talk with us,” when asked what’s the overall goal with this moment of history.
Construction of the new safety headquarters is expected to wrap during the Fall 2025 semester.
To stay updated with construction and other department concerns, follow the SUPD Instagram at (@subr_police) for accurate and public information.
