The following message to the Emory community is from Emory Police Chief Rus Drew. 

As we start a new academic year, I want to add my voice to those around the university who are excited to welcome everyone back to campus. I also want to assure you that I, and everyone in the Emory Police Department, are not only committed to serving and protecting our community, but that we understand the important role we play in creating a safe and inclusive campus for everyone.

We strive to follow the best practices in university policing, and we work every day to reinforce the trust placed in us by members of the Emory community. I realize, especially now, this is a fragile relationship.

Like many of you, I am saddened and angered by the killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and too many other Black Americans. This is indeed a time for historic change in our country and EPD is taking a critical look at how we operate and how we can improve.

As President Fenves shared, we are working with Justice & Sustainability Associates (JSA) to examine the role of EPD, most notably our use-of-force policies, training and transparency. The events of the last few days — including an officer-involved shooting in Kenosha, Wisconsin, and the harassment investigation involving campus safety officials at Santa Clara University — reinforce the urgency of the work we are doing at Emory. 

As we work through this process, we would like to hear your feedback on what we can do better.

Thank you in advance for your partnership with the Emory Police Department. 

Rus Drew
Emory Police Chief