Debra Kennedy

Biography

Debra Kennedy is a lifelong law enforcement professional who became the chief of the University Police Department in June 2025.

She began her law enforcement career with the Columbus Police Department in 1992 as a patrol officer. In the three following decades, her roles spanned the investigative and leadership gamut to include juvenile justice, sex crimes, vice, domestic violence, narcotics, robbery, homicide, criminal procedure and justice, and special operations. After becoming CPD’s assistant chief in 2020, she oversaw the department’s Bureau of Administrative Services and the Bureau of Support Services. Those duties ranged from training and personnel to support functions such as the 911 Call Center, vehicle fleet, evidence and records.

She holds both a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and a master of public administration degree from Columbus State. In addition, she is a graduate of the Northwestern University School of Police Staff & Command, has taught as an adjunct instructor, is a member of the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police and has specialized training in a variety of areas, including prescription drug investigations, high-risk warrant execution and narcotics investigations.