As students head back to campus for the start of autumn semester, The Ohio State University Police Division (OSUPD) welcomed a new officer to its division with a pinning ceremony on August 18, 2023. “I’m so excited to be here,” said Officer Corey Manley. “Ever since I was little, I’ve loved the Buckeyes.”
OSUPD has hired nine officers since January 2022, and has an authorized strength of 70 sworn police officers.
Police Chief Kimberly Spears-McNatt spoke about welcoming the new officer to the division. “One of the things that stood out was when I asked during the final interview, ‘what does being an ethical police officer mean to you?’” said Spears-McNatt. “He said, ‘being professional, nice, firm and treating people with respect.’ That’s really the bottom line of our duty,” said Spears-McNatt. “Regardless of who we encounter, we always treat people with respect.”
Officer Manley is no stranger to law enforcement as he received his bachelor’s degree in public safety administration in Ft. Myers, Florida. In 2009, he was hired by the Lee County Sheriff’s Department as a corrections clerk in Florida. He then attended the Florida Law Enforcement Academy before being hired by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office as a deputy. During his time there, he worked as a road patrol officer, field training officer and worked in the Intelligence and Narcotics Units. He was then promoted to detective and later to sergeant.
“I’ve only been here for about five weeks doing some classroom work,” said Manley. “Every single person I’ve encountered has been outstanding, courteous and professional.”
Officer Manley will now spend the next at least 14 weeks training with a field officer before being assigned to solo patrol.