New chief of University Police brings big heart to campus

A big addition to the Purdue University Fort Wayne team was made official during the June 4 swearing-in of Anthony Harrison as chief of University Police. Harrison, a former Butler University senior patrol officer, replaces Tim Potts, who retired in January after six years as head of a 13-person staff.

One of the first things Harrison did on the job was describe how everyone plays a part in safety and security.

"If they see something that doesn't seem quite right, say something; let us know," Harrison said. "The biggest culture shift in public safety is it doesn't just fall under University Police. Public safety is part of the entire campus community."

And the biggest part of that, Harrison said, is building relationships, something Potts stressed as well.

"The safety and protection of our students and the entire campus community is at the heart of our mission," Harrison said. "We are here for the students, faculty, and staff. We will focus on community outreach and engagement. I think the importance of public safety in general is to provide a safe and secure educational environment. We want to make sure students have an incredible university experience, where their main concern is not safety."

Harrison asked his officers to be visible walking the buildings and mall; be approachable and engaging by talking and interacting with students; and meeting individuals where they are to bridge the gap between their expectations and where the other person is coming from. The goal is to build stronger connections.

"My leadership style is based on leading from a place of empathy, integrity, and a non-emotional state," Harrison said. "If I am on a teeter-totter, I am either high or low, but I can't lead from either position, I have to lead from the middle."

Another point of emphasis for the new chief is trying to walk in the students' footsteps.

"I have to understand what they are going through and listen to learn. I have to be genuine, respectful, and lead from a place of integrity," Harrison said. "I try to incorporate those three principles in my daily life, as well as how I lead."

Harrison is a graduate of Indiana University Indianapolis with a master's degree in business administration from Indiana Wesleyan University. He's also a graduate of the Indianapolis Metro Police Department Leadership Academy and a senior instructor with the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy.

Harrison's time at Butler started in 2017. As a senior patrol officer there, he took pride in maintaining rapport with the campus community by actively instructing a rape aggression defense class for female students; speaking to student athletes; and hosting a three-part educational series co-sponsored by the university's Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion division. The series focused on "Policing In America: The duty and burden of a minority police officer"; "Civilian Response to Active Threat"; and "Chasing the Dragon: The life of an opiate addict."

A former college baseball player, Harrison has also been heavily involved in community engagement throughout his professional career, serving as a board member for an Indianapolis YMCA, co-chair of Junior Achievement Job Spark, a consultant and instructor at Hope Center Indy, and an instructor with the Marion County Sheriff's Office community program "Through Our Eyes."

Harrison is also a marching band dad, an avid golfer, an Air Jordan sneakerhead, and has a passion for Harley-Davidson motorcycles.

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