Laura Bennett, a veteran officer with more than 28 years in law enforcement in the University System of Georgia, has been selected as the new assistant chief of the Columbus State University Police Department. Bennett most recently served as a major in the University of West Georgia Police Department.

"We are very excited to have Laura on board to join our great team of law enforcement officers here at Columbus State University,” said Mark Lott, chief of CSU police. “I am confident her extensive experience and training will be a valuable resource in working with students, faculty and staff to continue to provide a safe environment in our campus communities.”

Bennett received her certificate in police management from CSU’s Command College, and is a graduate of the University of Louisville Southern Police Institute’s administrative officer’s course. She is also a graduate of the University of West Georgia, with a degree in Criminology, and has earned certifications in numerous areas including management, supervision, training, defensive tactics instruction, and health and wellness.

In 2006, she was selected as the first officer from a university police department to the FBI’s Police Executive Law Enforcement Fellowship. Bennett was also sworn in as a U.S. Federal Marshall with oversight of the Regional 1 Field Information Group.