Gadsden State Community College hires first chief of police

GADSDEN, Ala. —

Gadsden State Community College takes the first step in building its police department by hiring a chief of police.

Kathy Murphy, president of Gadsden State Community College, announced that Jay Freeman will become the new police chief.

Murphy said the college was creating a new police department in March to serve all five campuses.

The new department will merge with an already established security department to increase the level of protection in the college community.

“We can have sworn officers on our campuses who will conduct complex misdemeanor and felony investigations,” Murphy said.

Freeman will assume the role of chief of police beginning June 26, with a swearing-in ceremony to be held at a later date.

Freeman comes to Gadsden State from the Southside Police Department, where he served as captain of investigations and was responsible for leading a team of investigators through complex criminal investigations. His role also included law enforcement training, management of school resource officers as well as media and public relations responsibilities.

“In my position as captain at the Southside Police Department, I’ve had the opportunity to safeguard the well-being of citizens and establish a safe and secure environment,” Freeman said.