Police chief wins commendation
Monday, July 1, 2019
The Oklahoma Association of Chiefs of Police has recognized Oklahoma State University
Police Chief Leon Jones for his outstanding performance and “contributions beyond
the scope and commitment of normal services and duties.”
Jones is a 24-year veteran of the OSU police force and the first African American
to serve as chief in the department’s 50-year history. He holds associate, bachelor’s
and master’s degrees in criminal justice. He is a graduate of the 222nd Federal Bureau
of Investigation National Academy. He was promoted to OSUPD chief in 2017.
Jones became an officer because he wanted to show the community the good that police
officers do.
“I took a career that many African Americans would not take,” he said. “I am very
grateful that I was given this opportunity by those who hired me, and very grateful
that Director (Mike) Robinson, Vice President (Joe) Weaver and President (Burns) Hargis
have confidence in me and gave me the opportunity to be the chief of this incredible
department. I hope that my presence and my success as a law enforcement officer give
others the courage to join and work hard to be successful.”
Jones has been the driving force in connecting the department with the community.
He instituted a “Core Campus” community policing model in the heart of campus, mandated
department wide diversity training and developed and hosted OSU’s first Citizens Police
Academy. Under his command, the department has implemented a new records management
system and a new integrated 911 call system in partnership with a number of local
agencies. He is also responsible for the revitalization of the emergency operations
center and the renovation and relocation of the emergency communications center.
Jones’ staff recommended him for the award. Assistant Chief Joe Milek called Jones
a “change agent.”
“His leadership serves as a model of transformation and a testament to what is possible
by building strong relationships through transparency and teamwork,” Milek wrote in
his recommendation. “He played a role in the department becoming the first law enforcement
agency in the state to be accredited by the Oklahoma Association of Chiefs of Police
and each subsequent re-accreditation since. Never has his contribution been more evident
than during the most recent re-accreditation when the department was deemed “error
free” and a team of six assessors specifically commented on the morale, teamwork,
interactions and relations they observed before and during the assessment in formulating
their unanimous recommendation to recommend the approval of re-accreditation.”
Jones said he is humbled his staff felt him worthy of the award and considered him
a quality leader. He believes the recognition belongs to the entire department.
“What we do is not about us. It is about the university and everyone in our community,”
he said. “I have a great team who are unselfish and so accommodating. They nominated
me, when they know it was us that made all accomplishments possible. I am deeply moved
and so grateful for the nomination.”
MEDIA CONTACT: Shannon G. Rigsby | Public Information Officer | 405-744-9081 | shannon.rigsby@okstate.edu