Savannah State University Vice President for Business and Financial Affairs Edward B. Jolley, Jr., today announced the appointment of James Barnwell, a 30-year law enforcement veteran, as director of Public Safety and Campus Security effective March 7, 2016.

As director, Barnwell will be responsible for ensuring proper operations of the university’s public safety unit, overseeing the departmental functions of communications, investigations, patrols, community outreach and administration. He will oversee a staff of 60, including approximately 30 sworn officers. The SSU Campus Police Department is certified by the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police and the Peace Officers Standards and Training Council.

The Savannah native has worked within the Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department since 1983. As a police major since 2004, Barnwell has served as commander for the Special Operations, Patrol, Communications and Criminal Investigations divisions as well as director of the Savannah Impact Program. While a captain at SCMPD, he was unit commander of the Office of Professional Standards (internal affairs) and precinct commander of the Patrol Division from 1998-2004. Barnwell also brings experience in emergency management preparedness.

“We are fortunate to be able to attract a professional law enforcement officer of Major Barnwell’s caliber,” Jolley said. “His command-level management experience, understanding of the campus community and connections with local law enforcement networks will prove invaluable as we continue to seek to meet and exceed the expectations of our campus constituents, parents, visitors and others.”

Barnwell earned his Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice at Savannah State University in 1987 and his Master of Public Administration degree at Columbus State University in 2009.  He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and the Georgia Law Enforcement Command College.