Story by Haley Penrod, Contributing writer 

A Murray State alumnus was announced as the new police chief of the Paducah Police Department.

Brian Laird, who received his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, started his position as police chief on Jan. 1.

As chief, Laird said he wants to get involved with the community more by using the community policing philosophy, as well as utilize technology to make police officers’ jobs more efficient.  

“If you enjoy working with people and being on a team, then police work may be a good fit for you,” Laird said. “Especially if you like helping people navigate through problems they have and being a good mentor to children as well.”

For students wanting to pursue a career in law enforcement, Paul Lucko, chair of the department of community leadership and human services, said he recommends aspiring criminal justice professionals to intern and volunteer with law enforcement agencies.

In the fall of 2000, Laird interned with the Paducah Police Department. During his internship, Laird spent hours patroling the streets with officers. He also learned about the inner workings of the police department, which ultimately helped him decide that he wanted to work for them.

Laird said the criminal justice program at Murray State prepared him to become a police officer by exposing him to the history and procedures of policing.

Sergeant Austin Guill of the Murray State University Police Department and current student encourages students to look into the criminal justice program.

“If you are wondering about law enforcement, corrections, victim advocacy, probation and parole – anything in the criminal justice career field or if you have questions about it, then criminal justice is how you see if this is for you,” Guill said.

There are many majors that allow students to pursue a career in law enforcement. However, Laird emphasized that a criminal justice major is extremely beneficial to police departments.