Baltimore City Public Schools announced today that Jeffrey Shorter has been appointed as the new chief of the city school police. Shorter has had a 28-year career in the Baltimore Police Department, including over a decade in leadership roles.
Shorter will lead the 90-member police force responsible for ensuring the safety and security of students, staff, and school property. His appointment comes after a six-month nationwide search and involved input from students, district staff, community and civic leaders, and school police officers.
“Baltimore is fortunate to have someone of Jeffrey Shorter’s caliber taking on this vital role,” said Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott in a statement. “His leadership in implementing high-quality community policing strategies in our city, combined with his dedication to improving the lives of our youth, makes him an excellent fit for the position. We look forward to working closely with him to ensure that our schools remain safe and supportive environments for learning.”
Dr. Sonja Brookins Santelises, Chief Executive Officer of Baltimore City Public Schools, agreed, emphasizing Shorter’s experience and ties to the Baltimore community. “Jeffrey Shorter knows policing in Baltimore, has relationships with City School Police, and can rally others to the cause. He’s the right candidate for this moment,” Dr. Santelises said in a statement.
During his time in the Baltimore Police Department, Shorter commanded the Northeast and Northern patrol districts, overseeing areas similar in size and budget to the City School Police. He also served as the program director of BPD’s Community Collaboration Division, where he headed initiatives to reduce recidivism, mentor youth, and strengthen community relations.
“The youth of today are not only our future, they are our now. We must be the guiding light to lead them into a successful and safe tomorrow. If not now, then when; if not us, then who?” said Chief Jeffrey Shorter in a statement. “I am honored to join Baltimore City Schools, and I am looking forward to continuing and growing the collaborative and supportive partnership between School Police, our students, and the school community.”
Shorter, a military veteran, holds both Bachelor’s and Master of Science degrees in Criminal Justice Administration from Coppin State University.
The position of chief of police of Baltimore city schools has existed since 1967. The Baltimore City School Police Force is one of only a few full-service, independent school police forces in the United States.
