ENFORCER

WINTER 2004

News from the Office of Safety and Security at Meharry Medical College

Seasoned Professional Joins Force as New
Director of Public Safety and Security

 
Chief Richard Briggance

By Lt. Theresa Blackwell
Professional Accountability Unit

Law enforcement veteran Richard Briggance was appointed Director of Public Safety and Security at Meharry in October, bringing extensive experience in military and municipal public safety to the position. A native of Memphis, Chief Briggance served nine years in the U.S. Army and 25 years in the Tennessee Army National Guard, retiring in 1998 as Command Sergeant Major.

His military assignments included service in the Vietnam conflict and a tour in Okinawa. He saw service as a paratrooper with the 101st Airborne Division, an Army Drill Sergeant and a Combat Medic. Among his awards were the Legion of Merit Award, the Army Meritorious Service Award and the Army Commendation Award. 

Chief Briggance joined the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department in June 1969.  Following basic training, he was assigned to the Patrol Division and later served in the Intelligence, Personnel, Training and Fleet and Supply Divisions.  He commanded the Intelligence Division, the Fleet and Supply Division and the Central Patrol Precinct, Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT), Police Negotiators Team, Traffic Section, and the Aviation and Canine Units.

Chief Briggance is a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, Tennessee Association of Chiefs of Police
National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, National Black Police Officers Association, Tennessee Secondary Schools Athletic and Middle Tennessee Basketball Officials Associations.

Chief Briggance earned an Associate degree in Police Science from Aquinas College and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Trevecca Nazarene University.

Follow these tips to help prevent becoming victimized by crime

 WALKING OR JOGGING

When walking or jogging, go with someone.
Stay away from isolated areas.
Hold your briefcase or purse tightly and close to your body.
A front pocket is safer for a wallet than a back one.

IF YOU’RE BEING FOLLOWED

Cross the street or change direction.
Enter a library, residence hall or any area where people are present.
Notice and remember as much as possible about the person.

WHERE YOU LIVE

Keep your doors locked night and day.
Don’t open the door for strangers.
Don’t leave a door unlocked.
Keep your car locked, even when parked in your driveway.

DO report all crimes and/or suspicious activities to Campus Security     

DO protect your personal property just as you would your money.

DO call us when you are uncomfortable on campus and you need an escort.

DON’T leave books, jewelry, backpacks, purses, etc. unattended.

DON’T leave purses in a desk or file cabinet unless it is locked.

REMEMBER:

By always protecting your property, you reduce the opportunity for a thief to commit a crime.