Rennie M. Walters Sr. has been named the new chief of police at Savannah State University (SSU).

“The safety of our students and campus community is a top priority and the reason this search was so important,” said Interim President Kimberly Ballard-Washington. “We are confident Mr. Walters is the right candidate for this significant position and look forward to having his strong leadership on our team.” 

Prior to joining SSU, Walters served as chief of police at Southern Crescent Technical College in Griffin, Ga. He also served as captain of patrol operations and major operational support manager at Fort Valley State University. With 19 years of experience as a law enforcement professional, and 16 years of serving in the U.S. military, Walters was honorably discharged as a sergeant from the U.S. Army Infantry.

Walters earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology and his Associate of Arts degree in Liberal Arts from St. Leo University in Tampa, Fla. He completed management training and earned a leadership certification from Moses Ector Law Enforcement Leadership Academy in Atlanta, and the Institute of Police Management and Technology in Jacksonville, Fla. A member of the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police and Kappa Lambda Chi Military Fraternity Incorporated, Walters is a certified police officer in Georgia.

The mission of the SSU police department is to enhance the quality of life on the campus community by working cooperatively with the public to prevent crime, preserve the peace, enforce the laws with respect to the constitutional rights of all citizens, reduce fear and provide for a safe community environment. For more information about the Department of Public Safety, visit SavannahState.edu or call912-358-3004.