University of Memphis employs Little Rock's ex-police chief

Previous Little Rock Cops Chief Keith Humphrey (file image).

Keith Humphrey, Little Rock's ex-police chief, has actually been picked to head the University of Memphis Police Department, the school revealed Monday..

Humphrey "retired" from the Little Rock Police Department in May 2022 after serving for three turbulent years. His tenure was marked by the fallout from an LRPD officer's fatal shooting of Bradley Blackshire in February 2019 and disputes with the largest local authorities union, the Little Rock Fraternal Order of Police.

Humphrey was taken legal action against by senior officers over his handling of personnel matters, and in 2020 he filed a civil rights suit of his own against the cops union, declaring an effort to suppress departmental reforms. Humphrey likewise contended an active shooter on New Year's Eve in 2021, though the local district attorney later on cleared his usage of fatal force.

That history was not discussed in the press release from the University of Memphis, which cast Humphrey's 34 years in law enforcement in a flattering light.
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" With a tested performance history in law enforcement and neighborhood outreach, Humphrey brings a wealth of understanding and proficiency to the position," the release read.

"I have actually constantly appreciated Chief Humphrey's commitment, leadership and vision to public service," Scott stated. "His focus on best practices and 21st century policing made our authorities department much better and more powerful.
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As chief, Humphrey is anticipated to lead a group of about 70 workers to keep the University of Memphis safe..

" I am honored and humbled to have actually been chosen to head the University of Memphis Police Department. My desire and passion for this position exists since I recognize a university as a distinct 24/7/365 neighborhood," Humphrey said in the release. "As chief, I will honorably utilize my 34 years of police experience to more enhance our proactive and established public safety footprint needed to keep trainees, professors and staff safe.".
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