EAST LANSING, Mich. — The Michigan State University Department of Police and Public Safety (DPPS) is excited to welcome Jacquez Gray as its first Assistant Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Gray began his role with the department in November.  Gray was born and raised on the southside of Chicago, Illinois, and graduated from Kenwood Academy High School. He later attended Western Illinois University for his bachelor’s degree, majoring in law enforcement and justice administration. Gray received his Master of Arts from the University of St. Thomas in leadership and student affairs.  “It is a beautiful thing when we are able celebrate and acknowledge the differences we all have,” said Gray. “My first goal with my new role is to […]

EAST LANSING, Mich. — The Michigan State University Department of Police and Public Safety (DPPS) is excited to announce our department-wide rebranding. The new brand of DPPS is a recommitment to operating with the highest degree of transparency, responsibility, and respect.  The new brand includes a lime green shield as the department-wide logo, which represents all functions and operations within DPPS. The mark in the center of the shield represents the community, in which DPPS serves and protects.  “The purpose of our department rebranding is to unify the vast resources that DPPS provides,” said Vice President for Public Safety and Chief of Police Marlon Lynch. “We strive for our community to know that in addition to always being available for […]

EAST LANSING, Mich. — The Michigan State University Department of Police and Public Safety (DPPS) is excited to introduce Benny and Chase, the department’s first therapy canines.   Benny and Chase came to East Lansing from Brevard County, Florida, where they graduated from the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office Paws & Stripes College in September 2022. Sergeant Kim Parviainen and Detective Sydnee Zienta were selected as the dogs’ handlers.  Chase and Benny were shelter dogs prior to being chosen for training. They underwent a 12-week program led by a team of male and female correctional facility inmates in Florida.  “They learned both voice commands and hand signals, were housebroken, and learned basic obedience,” said Parviainen. “They were also socialized in various environments […]

EAST LANSING, Mich. — The East Lansing Police Department (ELPD) and the Michigan State University Department of Police and Public Safety (MSU DPPS) have partnered to form the Proactive Engagement and Community Enhancement (P.E.A.C.E.) Team, which will work to address community concerns with long-term solutions on both sides of Grand River Avenue. This newly formed team consists of MSU DPPS Detective/Sergeant James Terrill, MSU DPPS Officer Falysha Edmondson, ELPD Detective Ben Mommersteeg and ELPD Detective Justan Horst. The administrative personnel that will oversee this new team include MSU DPPS Captain Sherief Fadly and ELPD Deputy Chief Chad Connelly. “Collaborating with our community partners is not only rewarding, but necessary,” said MSU Vice President for Public Safety and Chief of Police […]

EAST LANSING, Mich. — In an effort to promote safety while driving, the Michigan State University Department of Police and Public Safety (DPPS) and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) are teaming up to inform the community about how to stay safe when behind the wheel.  According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 11,654 people died in alcohol-impaired driving traffic deaths in 2020, which is a 14 percent increase from 2019.  “We really stress safe choices,” said Stephanie Hurst, a victim services manager for MADD. “If you’re going out, know who your designated driver is going to be, have your Uber or Lyft available, and know extra people that you can contact.”  MADD was founded in Michigan in 1983. The […]