By Sarah Baker
Brandon Collins has been named chief of police at Eastern Kentucky University. A 2002 graduate of the university, Collins’ career began as a student worker for the EKU Police Department in 2001. Since then, he has climbed the ranks to serve in the department's highest possible position.
“I came to the university straight out of high school with the goal of majoring in what was called police administration. I knew I wanted to be a police officer, but the ‘where’ was unknown,” said Collins. “Working as a student with EKU PD opened my eyes to a community I knew I wanted to serve. I have been here 23 years and in this time, EKU has provided countless opportunities for my family and me. I love my job and the people I work with.”
Since becoming a police officer, Collins has held the positions of detective, detective sergeant, detective lieutenant, patrol operations lieutenant, assistant police chief and now police chief.
“I never planned on being a police chief. I always enjoyed being a police officer and being able to interact with people and witness first-hand the impact of my job on the community,” said Collins. “As time went on, I realized that I may have some strengths in leadership and decided to try and move up in the ranks in the department. I love the police department, and am so proud to work here—it was only natural that I threw my name in the hat to try and become the police chief.”
Some of Collins’ goals as chief are to move the department forward by adopting the latest evidence-based practices and technology in the field of policing. He plans to continue a community policing-based style of law enforcement that is crucial to building and maintaining relationships on a college campus.
“Chief Collins has the experience and leadership skillset to be successful in continuing to advance policing in our university community. We are honored to have a leader of his caliber and character serving in this role,” said Dr. Bryan Makinen, associate vice president of public safety.
“Before any student or employee can step foot on our campus, there are men and women working 24 hours a day behind-the-scenes to make sure this is a safe environment in which to learn, live, work or visit. These are the men and women of the EKU Police Department,” said EKU President David McFaddin. “I am proud to have one of our own climb the ranks and continue to make the School or Opportunity a reality.”
Collins’ wife, Courtney, is also an EKU employee, serving as the director of parking and transportation.
The EKU Police Department is a four-time accredited law enforcement agency by the Kentucky Association for Chiefs of Police (KACP).