Tulane hires new police chief

New Wave staff newwave@tulane.edu
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After a nationwide search, Tulane University has hired Joseph D. Bishop Sr. as its new police chief, effective Feb. 22. Bishop, a 35-year law enforcement veteran, comes to Tulane University from Vanderbilt University, where he serves as assistant police chief.

“Chief Bishop’s credentials are impressive. I believe that with his knowledge and experience, we can reach new milestones in our continued efforts toward progressive police strategies that will enhance the safety of our community,” Tulane University Police Department superintendent Jon Barnwell said.

Bishop began his civilian law enforcement career in 1978 with the Clarksville Police Department in Tennessee, later transferring to the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office as a patrol deputy. In 1980, he was hired by the Metro Nashville Police Department as a patrolman. Rising through the ranks, he served in patrol/field operations, training, investigations, drug enforcement, S.W.A.T. and special operations. 

He also has served as the director of the Office of Investigations and Compliance for the Tennessee Department of Corrections. He retired as deputy chief after 28 years of service with the MNPD.

Before assuming his current position at Vanderbilt, Bishop served as chief of the Columbia Police Department in Tennessee from 2008 to 2013. At Columbia he developed a management model for community service, incorporated an accountability-driven leadership model and reorganized the department. After five years, the department experienced heightened community partnership and five consecutive years of crime reduction.

Bishop graduated with honors from Tennessee State University with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. He also earned a master’s degree in public administration from Cumberland University.
 
“I am deeply honored to be a part of the Tulane University Police Department, and I look forward to building the relationships necessary to provide the Tulane campus and its related communities with professional police and safety services,” Bishop said.