Tuskegee University's head of police, Kareem Easley, has been placed on administrative leave following his arrest on DUI charges in Sandy Springs, Georgia. According to FOX 5 Atlanta, Easley, who was appointed police chief at the university in October, was arrested on New Year's Day after being stopped while driving the wrong way on a one-way street at approximately 5:50 a.m. The Sandy Springs Police Department also charged him with driving while intoxicated, and he was subsequently booked into the City of Smyrna Jail.
In response to these events, Tuskegee University officials are conducting their own internal review. Easley has been relieved of his duties pending this investigation, and assistant police chief Darrius Jones has taken on the interim role of acting chief of police. The university has expressed their dedication to the rule of law and a promise not to rush to judgment during this process. As per a statement obtained by FOX 5 Atlanta, "Tuskegee University is committed to the rule of law and will not rush to judgement pending a full internal investigation. In an abundance of caution, Chief Easley has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of an internal investigation," they stated.
Kareem Easley brought to the Tuskegee University Police Chief role over two decades of experience from various law enforcement departments, including the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office and Birmingham Police Department. He is a graduate of the University of Alabama and has had a significant career before this recent incident put his position in jeopardy.
Moving forward, the university has reiterated its intent to uphold due process and ensure a thorough internal review. "In an abundance of caution," Easley's leave will continue until the investigation is resolved, as reported by WTVM.
