TPD veteran heads ORU security
By Tamara Blanke

Jerry Isaacs recently retired from his position at the Tulsa Police Department so he could accept the job as the new head of security at ORU Feb. 1.

"I think the last 27 years as a police officer was [preparation] for this position here," Isaacs said.

Isaacs spent 20 years as a supervisor at the Tulsa Police Department, and he worked in almost every division of the department.

He has already had a positive impact, said Jerry Rowe, a department supervisor who works under Isaacs. "I've noticed a positive attitude with the officers…He's already making his mark on the plus side."

"I think I have a level of experience my predecessors haven't had," Isaacs said. Just before accepting his position at ORU, he was being strongly considered for a federal post in the Homeland Security Department.

He is also presently on the National Advisory Committee for Violence Against Women, a committee under U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft.

Isaacs brings a lot of information and expertise to the department, especially in legal matters, said Rowe. "He wants our department to be an example for other college security departments to look to."

Continued training and professionalism are important to Isaacs, Rowe said. Officers are offered opportunities to go to seminars and schools to update their skills.

"He really believes in praying for guidance in everything he does, including the people he hires," Rowe said.

"I know in my heart that God led me here, and that gives me boldness," Isaacs said. "I'm blessed to be here…and humbled."

"I look at the student body as leadership in the world…my job isn't to police them but to make sure they're safe."

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