Meet the JHPD Leadership
Dr. Branville G. Bard Jr., Chief of Police
Dr. Branville G. Bard Jr. serves as the Vice President for Public Safety for all Johns Hopkins University and Johns Hopkins Medicine campuses and facilities worldwide, except for the Applied Physics Laboratory. In April 2023, Dr. Bard was also appointed as the inaugural Chief of Police for the Johns Hopkins Police Department (JHPD).
Chief Bard joined Johns Hopkins with over 28 years of distinguished experience in law enforcement and public safety. He is recognized for his reform-oriented approach and is deeply committed to the principles of procedural and social justice. Chief Bard believes it is possible to keep communities safe from crime while also protecting the civil rights of community members. Most recently, he served as the police commissioner for the City of Cambridge, Massachusetts. He began his career with the Philadelphia Police Department, where he dedicated over two decades of service before retiring as a police inspector. Following his retirement, Chief Bard assumed the role of chief of police and director of public safety for the Philadelphia Housing Authority, further underscoring his dedication to creating safe and equitable communities.
As a dedicated law enforcement leader, Chief Bard has successfully driven transformative change in two agencies. His career is marked by exceptional leadership and an impressive ability to cultivate strong relationships with residential, business, and religious communities. These vital connections have forged powerful partnerships that effectively reduce crime and address pressing quality-of-life issues, all while significantly enhancing community engagement with the police. Chief Bard’s commitment to collaboration illustrates his profound impact on community safety and trust.
Monique Brown, First Deputy Chief of Operations
Deputy Chief Monique “Mo” Brown brings an impressive twenty-four years of law enforcement experience to her role. As First Deputy Chief of Police, Deputy Chief Brown is 2nd in-command and responsible for the daily operations of the department. She provides dynamic leadership, strategic oversight, and effective management of police services at the Johns Hopkins Police Department (JHPD). Her extensive background instills strong confidence in her ability to lead the JHPD with excellence.
Ms. Brown has demonstrated exceptional leadership as the Deputy Commissioner of Patrol and Community Policing at the Baltimore Police Department (BPD). She expertly implemented the Group Violence Reduction Strategy (GVRS) and championed community policing and youth diversion initiatives. Her tireless efforts have earned her recognition at both local and national levels, showcasing her profound commitment to nurturing relationships through community engagement, strategic partnerships, youth programs, and vital police reform. With her at the helm, the JHPD is poised to be not only inclusive but also exceptionally responsive to the diverse needs of the community it serves.
Deputy Chief Brown, an East Baltimore native, is a key figure in the documentary “Charm City,” which compellingly highlights the transformative initiatives led by both individuals and organizations within Baltimore. This film emphasizes the power of humanity as a unifying force in effecting change. With a sharp focus on reducing violent crime, Deputy Chief Brown is committed to building bridges between law enforcement and community members. Her collaborative approach to addressing pressing issues not only demonstrates her dedication to the community but also showcases her deep understanding of the unique experiences of growing up in Baltimore as a Black woman. This perspective empowers her to drive impactful change and inspire others to join the effort.
Shayne Buchwald-Nickoles, Deputy Chief of Investigations
Deputy Chief Shayne Buchwald-Nickoles joins the Johns Hopkins Police Department (JHPD) with over 21 years of experience at the Baltimore Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). During her tenure, she successfully managed a variety of significant investigations. Her ability to collaborate effectively with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies has solidified her reputation as a skilled and dedicated professional.
She has a wealth of leadership experience, having spent several years as a supervisor at the FBI. During her tenure, she honed her ability to effectively lead and manage teams, demonstrating a strong capacity for fostering collaboration, encouraging professional development, and navigating complex challenges in high-pressure environments. Her expertise in team dynamics and strategic planning has been instrumental in achieving organizational goals. Shayne’s unwavering commitment has significantly enhanced the safety and security of the Baltimore community, leaving a lasting legacy of impactful service.
Deputy Chief Buchwald-Nickoles recently served as the Director of Strategic Communications for Public Safety at Johns Hopkins. In this role, she was responsible for promoting the work and reputation of the Office of Public Safety, communicating vital information to the community, and leading the office’s engagement with traditional media.
Rachel Jefferson, Deputy Chief for Support Services
Deputy Chief Rachel Jefferson possesses over twenty years of experience in law enforcement and has established a commendable record in public safety leadership. Her expertise encompasses performance management, the development of police policies, and a strong emphasis on community engagement.
Deputy Chief Jefferson recently made history as the first African American woman to serve as Deputy Chief for the Bowie Police Department in Maryland. Selected through a national search, her extensive experience reflects her dedication and commitment to the community. Starting her career with the Metropolitan Police Department in Washington, D.C., she joined the Bowie Police Department in 2008, paving the way for future leaders.
She possesses a diverse skill set, focusing on police recruitment, background investigations, budget preparation, and organizational management. During her tenure with the Bowie Police Department, she skillfully managed the agency’s day-to-day operations and took the initiative to develop departmental policies and procedures. Her many years of experience in administrative business management have empowered her to embrace technology, tackle challenges with confidence, and lead people and resources to success.
Robert Reed, Police Captain
Captain Robert “Teddy” Reed, a Johns Hopkins Alumnus and Baltimore native, brings over thirty years of law enforcement experience to his current role. Most recently, he served as a Commander in the Administrative and Technical Services Division at Towson University. In this position, he supervised the Information and Support Services, monitoring operations and overseeing staff. His responsibilities included gathering statistics for the Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program and the Clery Act, reviewing reports, and conducting statistical analyses to ensure that all reportable crimes under these regulations were thoroughly investigated and accurately reported to both the FBI and the Department of Education.
Captain Reed also engaged in the meticulous review of policies and standards, ensuring compliance with the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) and the International Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (ICALEA). Additionally, he oversaw the Body-Worn Camera (BWC) Program, reinforcing his commitment to maintaining transparency and accountability within law enforcement practices.
