Alex Granderson, a 16 year veteran of the Mississippi Valley State University (MVSU) Police Department, began his new duties as the unit’s police chief on January 3.
A native of Tchula, Miss., he received his undergraduate degree from Alcorn State University in industrial technology and a master’s degree in criminal justice from MVSU.
He has been honored with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Shelter Initiative Award as well as the North Central Narcotic Task Force - Frank Davis Award.
“The support from faculty and staff has been great. I attended school here; and I’ve worked at MVSU so I’m familiar with the campus,” said Granderson.
In addition to his new position, Granderson has held numerous positions which include the North West Regional Response Team (Homeland Security); and he currently serves on the North Central Special Response Team (SRT) Tactical Team. Also, he is deputized in eight counties.
Tackling the new role as chief is a charge Granderson takes serious. He truly believes it is a position he has been groomed to handle during his time in the department.
“We are going to make this department the best it can be. Certainly this is a new challenge for me as a department head with new responsibilities, but we are looking forward to moving in a direction where we turn into a data driven department,” he added.
According to the new chief, the move toward an emphasis on a data driven department is aimed at acquiring a records management system, while also working to get more patrol units on campus.
“The only difference now is that I will not be out in the field as much with the students,” said Granderson.
Ultimately, the main focus for Granderson is maintaining a safe campus community for all parties and making sure the students know the department is here for them.
“We want the students to know we are here for them. We don’t want them to think they only have to interact with us when something bad has happened or there is an emergency. We want to increase our community policing. We want to be visible,” he added.