Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) announces that Tommy McMasters will become the university’s new police chief on Tuesday, February 15. McMasters has more than 22 years in law enforcement including time as police chief, deputy chief, patrol commander, special investigator, director of law enforcement training, and an officer. He also served his country as a U.S. Marine for six years.
“We are fortunate that Chief McMasters is joining the ECSU Viking family. He brings decades of experience to the role, along with strong bonds with officers and law enforcement agencies in Elizabeth City and the surrounding counties,” says ECSU Chancellor Karrie G. Dixon. “His knowledge and relationships in the law enforcement community will help ensure the safety and security of students, faculty, staff, and visitors on our campus, and forge strong ties with external law enforcement partners.”
McMasters currently serves as Deputy Chief and Police Operations Captain at North Carolina Central University (NCCU) where he supervises five lieutenants and approximately 30 police and security officers. Prior to that, he was Chief at the Hamlet Police Department where McMasters oversaw the daily police and public safety functions for the City of Hamlet.
McMasters has served as Patrol Commander at Fayetteville State University. For three years, he oversaw and delivered basic and advanced law enforcement training for police departments and sheriff’s offices for seven counties as Director of Law Enforcement Training Programs. During his career, McMasters has been certified to train other instructors in active shooter situations, telecommunications, drug testing, and much more. McMasters holds a master’s degree in Criminal Justice Administration from Grand Canyon University.
“I am excited to work with the men and women of the ECSU Police Department, along with law enforcement agencies in our area. As officers, we have the unique opportunity to change lives for the better while doing our job. We mitigate nefarious activity on campus and vicinity while proactively teaching others about the law,” says McMasters. “I look forward to joining Chancellor Dixon and her team as we promote economic, social, and environmental progress for the people of northeastern North Carolina, the state, and the nation.”
McMasters replaces former ECSU Police Chief, John Manley, who retired in October 2021 after 41 years in law enforcement.
