Chief of Police at Morehouse College/ Associate Vice President of Campus Safety Talks about #leader, #leadership, #servantleadership, #biblicalleadership, and #leadershipdevelopment
Charles Prescott: A Journey of Leadership and Public Service
Introduction
Charles Prescott II is not just an emerging leader in public safety; he’s a trailblazer whose career trajectory serves as an inspirational beacon for aspiring law enforcement professionals. His journey from the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice to Chief of Police at Morehouse College is a testament to his exceptional leadership skills.
Early Career and Dedication to Justice
Charles’s career commenced at the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice, where he monitored and provided crisis intervention for youthful offenders. This early experience laid the foundation for his unwavering dedication to justice.
His tenure as a deputy in the Burke County Sheriff’s Office marked a turning point. As a Peace Officer, he enforced laws and held offenders accountable. His commitment to safety extended to inmates and visitors inside the detention facility.
Leadership in Waynesboro
In Waynesboro, Charles played a pivotal role in establishing the Vice/Narcotics and Violent Crimes Investigations Unit. He led efforts to investigate and apprehend those involved in illegal drug activities and anti-vice violations. Notably, Charles initiated Operation Clean Sweep and Operation Lightning Narcotics Operations to eradicate drugs from the city limits.
His investigations weren’t limited to narcotics. Charles worked on a wide range of cases, from sexual assaults to white-collar crimes. His dedication led to the execution of numerous search warrants and the successful prosecution of criminal street gang members involved in hired murder agreements.
Assistant Chief of Police at Paine College
At just 29 years old, Charles assumed the role of Assistant Chief of Police at Paine College in Augusta. This appointment made him one of the youngest law enforcement administrators in Georgia. During his tenure, he established the first Paine College police department, designed emergency management response plans, and revamped evidence collection procedures.
Charles’s contributions extended beyond law enforcement. He served on multiple planning committees and was entrusted with the security section of SACS reports required for accreditation. His resourcefulness shone as he secured essential equipment and systems on a tight budget.
Supervision in Atlanta and the Gang Expertise
Charles’s journey continued in the Atlanta Judicial Circuit, where he supervised over 40 investigators. He worked in the major case division and eventually led the gang unit. His extensive training and experience in investigating and intercepting criminal gang activity led to his qualification as a gang expert for court testimony.
Key Roles in District Attorney’s Offices
Charles served as the Chief Investigator for the Cobb County District Attorney’s Office. Notably, he led the investigation during the Ahmaud Arbery murder case, overseeing security and the prosecution team’s investigation process. His exceptional negotiation skills secured significant achievements, such as a cellphone coverage plan with Southern Linc wireless and upgrades to weapons, body armor, and office fleet.
At the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office, he supervised 45 investigators involved in cases related to armed robbery, homicide, and RICO investigations. He acted as a team leader on tactical operations and played a crucial role in apprehending criminal offenders.
Academic Pursuits and Achievements
Charles Prescott’s educational journey is as impressive as his professional career. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Morehouse College, a Master of Science in Emergency Management with a concentration in Homeland Security from Walden University, and a Master of Arts in Biblical Counseling from Apex School of Theology.
He holds the distinction of being the youngest Chief of Police ever at Morehouse College and the first alumnus to hold the position, marking a remarkable achievement.
Inspiration and Leadership Lessons
Charles Prescott’s journey is nothing short of inspirational. It demonstrates the power of dedication, leadership, and the pursuit of justice. Here are five key leadership lessons we can draw from his remarkable career:
- Dedication to Justice: Charles’s commitment to justice began early in his career and was unwavering throughout his journey.
- Resourcefulness in Budget Management: He displayed exceptional resourcefulness in securing essential equipment and systems within tight budgets.
- Negotiation Skills: His negotiation skills secured significant achievements, including vital partnerships.
- Interagency Collaboration: Charles’s collaborations with other law enforcement agencies were instrumental in solving various crimes.
- Educational Pursuit: His pursuit of higher education alongside his career is a testament to his dedication and determination.
Editorial Notes
In conclusion, Charles Prescott’s journey from a Juvenile Corrections Officer to Chief of Police at Morehouse College is a remarkable testament to the power of leadership and dedication to justice. His accomplishments, resourcefulness, and negotiation skills have left an indelible mark on the field of public safety. Charles Prescott is an embodiment of inspirational leadership, and his story will undoubtedly inspire future leaders in law enforcement.
