By Norm Miller, LC News
PINEVILLE, (LCNews) – Louisiana College tapped a law enforcement veteran who served the Alexandria Police Department for 33 years.
Captain Clifford Gatlin began as Director of Safety and Security on the Pineville campus, August 13. He was associated with the Alexandria Regional Police Academy for 15 years, ultimately as commander of the training division.
“The safety and security of our campus population is a top priority,” said LC President Rick Brewer. “A cursory look at Captain Clifford’s seven-page resume reveals an extensive and expansive range of training, certifications, and other credentials that eminently qualify him for this role.”
Gatlin earned a BS in Criminal Justice from Upper Iowa University and is certified in the following:
- FBI Law Enforcement Instructor Development
- POST Firearms Certification
- FEMA contingency plans
- Civil Rights
- On-line Investigations
- Search and Seizure
- Domestic Violence
- Safe Haven Training
- Child Abuse Workshop
- Suicide Prevention
- Leadership and Supervision
Brewer said that Gatlin embodies “all the qualities and qualifications we sought to serve as our Director of Safety and Security. His ultimate qualification, like all others at the College, is that he is a Christian leader.”
“If you would have told a few months ago that I would be employed at Louisiana College, I would have laughed,” Gatlin said because he was not looking for another law enforcement job. But he applied at LC on the urgings of a friend.
“This job is like the icing on the cake of my career,” Gatlin told LCNews. “It is a perfect fit for me.”
Outlining his plans, Gatlin said his “primary concern is for the safety and security of the students, faculty, and staff.”
Committed to enforce the rules and regulations of campus life, Gatlin said he has no intent to “target or profile anyone. But at a Baptist, Christian college we all will be expected to behave a certain way.”
Gatlin has numerous training plans for his security officers, with first-aid and CPR at the outset. He also wants to offer a free vehicle inspection service for students to voluntarily access before they leave campus for holidays and other breaks.
“We think parents will appreciate this level of care for their students,” he said.
As a well-known public servant in CenLa, Gatlin said many law enforcement officials and city administrators have told him: “Whatever you need, we will help you where we can.”
“We also appreciate the Pineville Police Department,” Gatlin added. “They go above and beyond any expectations to assist Louisiana College.”
As a law enforcement conference leader across the United States — from Seattle to Virginia Beach and from Washington D.C. to Denver — Gatlin has lectured regarding a variety of topics, including: crisis intervention, active shooter, juvenile investigations, search and seizure, arrests and detentions, hostage negotiations, use of force, domestic violence, cultural awareness, identifying mental health issues, and many more.
Gatlin is a member of more than a dozen, professional law enforcement organizations.
A member of Calvary Baptist Church/Woodworth, Gatlin plays bass guitar in the praise band.
“Our search for a supremely qualified, high energy person to manage our campus safety and security operation has ended with someone who will begin one of the most comprehensive such programs this campus has seen in years,” Brewer said. “Chief Gatlin is a hand-in-glove fit for our expectations in this role and is one who will assist us in implementing our Vision of Preparing Graduates and Transforming Lives.”
