I am currently a full time Criminal Justice Instructor at Central Piedmont Community College in Charlotte, NC.  I teach both curriculum level classes, as well as in-service and police recruit classes that include subjects such as general law enforcement and criminal justice classes, as well as crime scene investigation, investigative photography and forensics.  

Prior to teaching, I spent nearly 20 years as a law enforcement professional, as a police officer, investigator and Crime Scene Manager.   I have a Bachelor of General Studies and a Masters of Public Affairs from the University of Connecticut. 

My interest in police work and desire to improve the overall effectiveness and professionalism led me to teaching and ultimately to the Public Policy program.   The satisfaction and personal reward I received from helping others is exceeded only by the satisfaction and rewards I get from teaching others to be law enforcement professionals and from ensuring that the police make the best decisions as they evaluate policy and procedures.  My area of academic interest is in the management of law enforcement organizations, including personnel issues as well as the “street level” decision that officers make and how they impact the agencies perception and effectiveness. 

Personal History

The professional and educational path that has led me to the Public Policy Program at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte is not typical, but it has been important to my overall professional development.  My initial undergraduate course of study was in Mechanical Engineering, but after less than a year of working as an engineer, I found myself looking for a different challenge.  In 1982, I made the change from engineering to law enforcement and became police officer with the Groton City (CT) Police Department.  It was a move that I have never regretted.  

As a police officer, I found a profession that was diverse, ever changing and incredibly challenging.  Law enforcement is a job that allows an individual to positively impact the lives of others and make a difference in your community.  As a police officer, I sought out every challenge and in addition to working as a uniformed patrol officer, I have worked as a Narcotics Investigator, Major Crimes Investigator and Computer Systems manager.  I also served on the department’s Traffic Accident Investigation Team, Dive Rescue and Recovery Team and worked as a Helicopter Air Crew member.  That desire to help others and improve the overall quality of life on a larger scale also motivated my return to school, and in 1994 I earned a Masters of Public Affairs from the University of Connecticut. 

In 1995, I relocated to Charlotte and took a position with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg (NC) Police Department as the Manager of the Crime Scene Search section.   In addition to overseeing the operation of the crime scene unit, I became a certified law enforcement instructor, allowing me to teach both recruits and police officers at the Police Academy.   In August of 2000, I took my current position as a Criminal Justice Technology Instructor with Central Piedmont Community College.

Personal Interests

I learned early on in my police career that hobbies and interests outside of police work were critical to a officer’s well being.   My primary interest is of course my family.  My family, which includes my wife Diana, a 9 year old son and 6 year old daughter, just moved into a new house in Harrisburg, NC.  I am also an avid (but not necessarily good) golfer and play as often as my schedule will permit. 

My other “unique” interest or pursuit is Stock Car racing.  For the past 10 years, I have worked as an “over the wall” pit crewman for several NASCAR teams.  I currently spend my weekends working for as the Gas Man for ppc Racing’s Busch Grand National with driver Jason Keller.  Working on a pit crew provides an outlet that is far removed from the pressures of police work and teaching.  It is an opportunity to work in challenging and exciting team environment, be competitive, while providing an escape from my daily routine.