Issue date: May 15, 2003

Profile

NAME: Mary Johnson
OCCUPATION: Inspector, Uniform Division of MSU Department of Police and Public Safety

In her 16 years with the Department of Police and Public Safety (DPPS), Mary Johnson, a lieutenant in charge of the Uniform Division and the highest-ranking female officer in DPPS, has walked the campus from corner to corner -- as both a student employee and as officer in charge of the patrol division.

An MSU criminal justice graduate and 1988 graduate of the Mid-Michigan Police Academy, Johnson became a full-time DPPS officer in 1989. Her responsibilities include patrol, community policing, records disclosure/media, crime and accident scene investigation, bicycle unit, motorcycle unit and K9 team.

She also has been a detective in the Pro-Active Crime Team, a patrol supervisor, a composite artist, pressure point and control tactics instructor, hazardous material technician and canine handler of “Gero,” an imported German shepherd, before being promoted to lieutenant and platoon commander.

“I am fortunate to have a very energetic, bright and motivated group of people to work with each day,” said the Petoskey native of her fellow officers. “I consider them to be a second family. We are proud of the job we do, and also recognize the value of the people we come in contact with throughout the year.”

Johnson, who has taken classes for her master’s, is involved in the activities of her son, Corick, and caring for their family of cats, dogs and a rabbit, among other hobbies. She also has attended the FBI Academy in Quantico, Va., for advanced police management training.

By Joel Haist