The police departments for Gadsden State Community College and the City of Gadsden signed a Memorandum of Understanding Thursday, April 11, to enhance community safety and cooperation. The agreement aims to promote mutual assistance and collaborative efforts to ensure the well-being of residents and students in Gadsden.
“This is a significant step towards building a safer and more secure community,” said Jay Freeman, chief of the Gadsden State Police and Public Safety Department.
Through the MOU, both departments pledge to share resources, expertise and information to enhance public safety and emergency response capabilities.
“This is about us working together,” said Gadsden Mayor Craig Ford. “It’s about the little things that make a difference because the little things turn into the big things.”
“There may, God forbid, come that occasion when we all need to be working together for the purpose of some incident that has occurred on our campus,” said Gadsden State President Dr. Kathy Murphy, who said she regularly prays for the safety and well-being of their students and community.
Freeman said the partnership is a testament to the power of community collaboration in creating a safer environment for citizens and students.
“This MOU marks a significant milestone in our join commitment to safeguarding our community,” he said. “By working together, we are not just pooling resources. We are building a stronger, more resilient Gadsden. Together, we stand stronger to maintain peace and security and to respond more effectively to any challenges that may arise.”
Ford also spoke about the importance of supporting Gadsden State, which has a large impact on the city through industrial recruitment, workforce education, facilities and more.
Gadsden State created the new police department to serve all five of its campuses last year. Freeman was named chief in May 2023.