Grambling, LA. – After an intense search, Grambling State University announced today that Interim Police Chief Howard Caviness is the university’s permanent Police Chief. Chief Caviness has over 28 years of extensive and specialized law enforcement experience, which spans over several different agencies and departments of law enforcement.

Chief Caviness began his career in law enforcement with the LaSalle Parish Sheriff’s Department in January 1988. He received his Police Officer Standardized Test (POST) certificate from the state of Louisiana in 1990. During his tenure in law enforcement, Chief Caviness has received hundreds of hours in advance training in narcotics, SWAT, and administrative duties. Chief Caviness worked for the state of Louisiana at the Alcohol Tobacco Control Division. He was the supervisory agent over 24 central and northeast Louisiana parishes.

In addition, Chief Caviness obtained top secret clearances from the U. S. Government which enabled him to work cases for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and assist in the arrest of wanted fugitives from the U. S. Marshal’s Service. Chief Caviness also serves as an expert witness in local, state, and federal courts. Chief Caviness is a former member and served as the team commander of the Ouachita Parish SWAT Team in Monroe, La. Chief Caviness is a past instructor of the police academy in Monroe, La.

Chief Caviness is no stranger to GSU, legendary Coach Eddie Robinson attempted to recruit Caviness on a football scholarship in the 1980s. Chief Caviness did not come to Grambling then but he returned nearly 32 years later and accepted the position of Investigator with GSUPD. Chief Caviness was promoted to the Interim Chief approximately 6 months after his employment date with GSUPD. Under Chief Caviness’ administration several grants where drafted and secured, which have afforded the GSUPD to purchase much needed equipment for the department. Body cameras for officers, a cellular telephone for domestic violence victims, and police cars are just some of the items Chief Caviness secured during his current time at GSUPD.

With his 28 years of experience in law enforcement, Chief Caviness looks forward to continuing the advancement of GSU as one of the safest campuses in the United States. Chief Caviness resides in West Monroe, La with his two sons, Logan and Hunter Caviness.

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