Col. Charles Herring named TU Police Chief

Col. Herring assumes role of Chief of Towson University Police Department after serving as the Interim Chief for the past six months.

By Sean Welsh on Dec. 20, 2018

Col. Charles “Joe” Herring has been named Chief of Towson University Police Department after a national search to fill the role of the top public safety official on the campus.

TUPD Chief Charles Herring

For the past 6 months, Col. Herring has served as Interim Chief and in the role has worked closely with campus leadership as a member of the President’s Council and many campus faculty, staff, and student groups. 

"When I arrived, I added the TU Police Chief to the President’s Council, seeing a need for this important public safety perspective in conversations and decision making, and as Chief, Col. Herring will continue to serve in this capacity," said TU President Kim Schatzel.

Col. Herring has served TUPD for more than 17 years, climbing the ranks with progressive leadership and most recently serving as Deputy Police Chief and spokesperson for the department.

"I am truly grateful and humbled to receive this opportunity to continue to serve the university community and work with the fine officers and staff of the Office of Public Safety," Chief Herring said. "I look forward to continuing the long standing and successful partnership with the university community that has helped to keep our campus a safe place to pursue and education, work, live and participate in the university experience."

Prior to joining TUPD, Col. Herring was a sworn member of the Baltimore County Police Department for 21 years. He also served Bel Air Police Department, Port Deposit Police Department and University of Baltimore Police Department. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Johns Hopkins University and a juris doctor from University of Baltimore.

The Towson University Office of Public Safety is comprised of the Office of Emergency Preparedness, Environmental Health & Safety, Access Control, and the Towson University Police Department. TUPD is a fully sworn department committed to providing effective policing and public safety services to the university and surrounding areas 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.