Staff
Luke Thompson, Director of Public Safety Support Services
R. Luke Thompson is the Director of Public Safety at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, MS, where he leads the agency's policy development and accreditation efforts in alignment with CALEA standards. He brings over two decades of experience in law enforcement, executive leadership, and public safety program management.
Thompson previously served as Chief of Police for the City of Byram, MS, where he built the city's first municipal police department from the groun up and directed operations for more than 40 employees. He also held leadership roles with the Gulfport Police Department and the Hinds County Sheriff's Office, gaining extensive experience in administration, training, accreditation, and community policing. Beyond policing, he worked in the public safety technology sector, bridging law enforcement operations with innovative software solutions to meet agency needs nationwide, and as Administrative Officer with the FBI's Jackson Division.
A graduate of the 253rd Session of the FBI National Academy, Thompson holds a Master of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of Southern Mississippi and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Mississippi College. He has also served as President of the Mississippi Association of Chiefs of Police, on the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force Executive Board, and on the Mississippi Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission.