Former SPD Detective Hired as Grambling Chief
Retired Shreveport homicide detective Rod Demery has been hired as police chief at Grambling State University.
He takes over on June 6.
Demery will lead the university’s police department to ensure the college campus is a safe and secure place to get a higher education. He will also work closely with university leaders including President Richard Gallot, Jr.
“Demery has a strong commitment to community service and engagement. His wide platform in enhancing policing strategies around community needs that engage diverse perspectives on issues of public safety will prove beneficial to our faculty, staff, and students,” Gallot said.
Demery is a Navy Veteran who served in Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm. After retiring from SPD, Demery went on to host the TV show “Murder Chose Me” on Investigation Discovery.
Demery has also served as a homicide investigator for the Caddo Parish District Attorney’s Office after his retirement from the police force.
Most recently he’s been working with a cold case team in Atlanta looking into unsolved cases. Earlier this month, he told KEEL News he was working on another TV show. It is reportedly a documentary about ancient murders in Europe and the U.S.
Demery says:
“I am honored to serve Grambling State University in this important role. I look forward to partnering across the University and with our law enforcement partners to continue enhancing the safety of our University.”
Demery’s mother was murdered when he was a child and his brother is currently serving a life sentence for murder.
“My entire life story has prepared me to be the Chief of Police for GSUPD,” Demery said. “Some things you can learn in college, and some things you have to actually experience. And for me, I believe overcoming tragedy was preparation for my career. I experienced pain, so I can definitely empathize with people. I know police officers and what they need to be effective on the job. I’m a parent and I know what’s expected when you send your child off to college. I know exactly what they’re feeling.”