Brian Locke, University Police

What degree or degrees have you earned, and what was your major? 

I earned my bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Middle Tennessee State University and a master’s degree in counseling and development from Long Island University. I’ve also attended many professional development programs throughout my military and law enforcement careers, including the FBI National Academy.

How would you describe what you do in your role with University Police? 

As assistant chief of police, my role is really about people, leadership, safety and preparedness. I help lead the department and oversee operations designed to keep our students, faculty, staff and visitors safe. That includes traditional police responsibilities, but it goes well beyond that to threat assessment and management, special-event security, training, community partnerships, crime prevention and working with departments across the university. At the end of the day, our job is to create an environment where people can learn, work, live and enjoy Mississippi State safely.

What is one thing you wish more students knew about University Police or the resources and services the department provides? 

I wish more students understood that University Police is much more than the people they see driving around campus or responding to calls. We have officers, dispatchers, K9 teams, specialized response capabilities, crime-prevention resources, emergency management partnerships and personnel focused on threat assessment and campus safety. More importantly, you don't have to be experiencing an emergency to contact us. If something doesn't feel right, you have a concern about someone, you need help finding a resource, or you simply don't know what to do, reach out. We'd much rather have a conversation early than respond to a crisis later.

What led you to pursue a career in law enforcement, particularly in a university setting? 

My career in law enforcement really grew out of my military service as a Military Police officer. I spent 23 years on active duty, including assignments and deployments that exposed me to policing, leadership, emergency response, security and working with people in very challenging environments. What has kept me in this profession is the opportunity to serve, lead and make a difference in people's lives. University policing is particularly rewarding because we're working with young adults during an important period of their lives. We're not just responding to incidents—we have an opportunity to educate, mentor, build relationships and hopefully leave students better prepared for life when they graduate.

How does building relationships with students factor into the work of University Police?

 It's fundamental. You can't effectively police a community you don't know and doesn't know you. Students need to know that the police officer they see isn't just someone who writes tickets or responds when something goes wrong. We're people who are invested in their safety and success. The more relationships we build with students, the more comfortable they become talking to us, sharing concerns, asking questions and reporting things that could potentially become bigger problems. Trust is one of the most important tools a police department has.

What are some ways University Police supports students that don't involve responding to an emergency or enforcing the law? 

There are a lot of them. We provide crime prevention education, safety presentations, escorts and assistance, special event support and community outreach. Our K9 teams participate in demonstrations and community events, and our officers interact with students regularly outside of enforcement situations. We also work closely with university departments and outside partners to identify potential problems before they become emergencies. A big part of modern university policing is prevention—anticipating problems and finding solutions before someone has to call 911.

What do you wish students understood about approaching or interacting with an MSU police officer? 

Don't be afraid to talk to us. We're human beings, and we're part of the Mississippi State community just like everyone else. If an officer stops you, be respectful, listen and communicate. If you have a question, ask it. If you're unsure about something, tell the officer. You don't have to know exactly what to say or how to interact with a police officer. And remember that an interaction with a police officer doesn't automatically mean you're in trouble. Sometimes we're there because we're checking on someone's welfare, answering a question, helping someone find their way or simply doing our job to keep the campus safe.

For a student interested in law enforcement or public safety, what experiences would you recommend they pursue while in college?

First, get involved and get experience working with people. Law enforcement is a people business. Jobs, internships, volunteer opportunities, student organizations, athletics, emergency management, military programs and community service activities can all teach valuable skills. I'd also encourage students to develop strong communication and writing skills. If you have the opportunity, ride along with a police department, complete an internship, attend a police academy program or talk with professionals working in different areas of public safety. Don't limit yourself to thinking that law enforcement is just patrol work. There are careers in investigations, intelligence, K9, emergency management, executive protection, threat assessment, federal law enforcement, cybersecurity, communications, training and leadership. Most importantly, build a reputation for being dependable, ethical and willing to work hard. Technical skills can be taught. Character and integrity are much harder to teach.