What is your name and title?
David L. Perry – Assistant Vice Chancellor and Chief of Police
Where are you from?
I don’t know! I say that in a joking way; I am a military dependent and have lived all over the world. I tell people I am from Augusta, Georgia since that is where I graduated High School and my parents still live there.
How long have you been on the UNC police force?
I have been on the UNC Police Force for four great months!
What did you do prior to becoming a UNC police officer?
Prior to coming to the UNC Police Department I served as the Assistant Vice President for Safety and Chief of Police at Florida State for 14 years. I had responsibility and oversight for all Police Operations, Security Functions, Communications, Closed Circuit TV Security Systems, Security Card Access, Emergency Management, and Transportation and Parking Service Operations.
Prior to serving for Florida State University I was the Deputy Chief and Interim Chief of Police for Clemson University. I started my career as a police officer for the City of Albany Police Department in Albany Georgia. At the age of 26 I was selected at the Chief of Police at Albany State University where I served as the Director of Public Safety and Chief of Police for six years.
Did you want to be a police officer when you were a kid? If not, what did you want to be?
I wanted to be a United States Secret Service Agent or FBI Agent when I was a kid until graduating from college. It is ironic that my career has been interwoven with working with both agencies on high profile cases and providing assistance for presidents of the United States.
What is your favorite thing about being a police officer for a University?
My favorite thing about being a police officer for a university is that each day is different. I also enjoy being around the future leaders for business, industry, education, sports, science, medicine and government. Working in an environment where on one day our attention is directed for a major sporting event and the next day our attention is shifted to providing assistance to the leading authority in business while on campus. It’s a great place to work!
What is different about being a police officer for a University vs. a municipal police officer?
The major difference between being a police officer for a university and a municipality is the environment. On a college or university campus the expectations are much different from that within a community. Parents, students and employees have a higher expectation for the level of services rendered and to be considered a part of the overall ecosystem of community and partnership. Another major difference is the campus population is in a continuous shift as new students and employees arrive and graduating and departing employees transition on to greater opportunities. It is a continuous cycle of learning, educating, connecting and serving.
What is one thing you wish everyone knew about being a police officer?
The one thing I wish everyone knew about being a police officer is that we are regular people just like everyone else. Police officers have fears, concerns, opinions, ideas and feelings just as the people we serve.
What is your favorite pastime?
My favorite pastimes (plural) are:
- Cooking
- Traveling
- Watching Sports
- Enjoying Life
Do you have any pets? Tell us about them!
I currently do not have any pets, but I love small dogs!
What is your favorite thing about UNC-Chapel Hill?
My favorite thing about UNC-Chapel Hill has been the people! I have received a very warm welcome from employees and students on campus as well as from members within the community.