Ronal W. Serpas

Ronal W. Serpas serves as Professor of Practice in the Department of Criminology & Justice at Loyola University New Orleans, teaching undergraduate and graduate courses since August 2014 following his retirement from a 34-year law enforcement career. His professional background includes serving as Police Superintendent in New Orleans (2001-2014), Police Chief in Nashville, TN, and Chief of the Washington State Patrol, with prior service rising from Police Officer to Assistant Superintendent in the New Orleans Police Department.

Education:

• Ph.D., University of New Orleans

Dr. Serpas specializes in evidence-based policing strategies with research interests spanning criminology, criminal justice reform, community policing implementation, and organizational transformation. His expertise focuses on reducing violent crime through legitimacy-based approaches, procedural justice frameworks, and accountability policing strategies that simultaneously decrease incarceration rates while improving public safety outcomes. He has pioneered innovations in recruitment, patrol deployment, use-of-force policies, and crisis management within law enforcement agencies.

Scientific Awards and Honors:

• Honorary President of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) (2017)

As a full-time faculty member, Dr. Serpas mentors students through practical application of real-world policing challenges, though specific advisees are not documented in available materials. His professional leadership extends to national policy initiatives rather than traditional academic grants.

Dr. Serpas co-founded and directs Law Enforcement Leaders to Reduce Crime and Incarceration with NYU's Brennan Center, chairs the National Policing Institute Board, and serves on the Council on Criminal Justice and Cure Violence National Advisory Board. These roles position him at the forefront of criminal justice reform, connecting academic research with operational policing practices through the IACP Research Advisory Committee which he co-founded.