ONE ON ONE

By James W. Wade III Editor

Welcome, Wayne D. Hudson, Shaker Heights New Police Chief

The city of Shaker Heights swore a new Police Chief on January 23, 2023. Shaker Heights Mayor David Weiss administered the oath of office to the city’s new police chief, Wayne Hudson. Hudson is the former chief deputy in Douglas County, Neb. This Office of the Chief of Police is responsible for the overall operation and administration of the Police Department. “I am very pleased to announce Wayne Hudson’s appointment as police chief,” Mayor David Weiss said. “He comes to Shaker Heights with a broad and impressive background in law enforcement, demonstrated commitment to community and inclusion, and strong interpersonal communication skills, all of which I view as critical for our next police chief. He will lead a department of skilled and dedicated professionals with a solid leadership team.”

Chief Wayne D. Hudson began his law enforcement career as a Security Police Specialist in the United States Air Force, serving from 1986-1992. He started his civilian law enforcement career in 1994 as a Reserve Deputy Sheriff with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO). In 1995 he was able to obtain a full-time position with the agency. He rose to Sergeant in 1998, Lieutenant in 2005, Captain in 2013, and Chief Deputy Sheriff in 2021. His leadership experience includes managing patrol deployment, emergency management, fiscal management, human resources, policy development, project management, strategic planning, employee development, public relations, community engagement, court security, building security, and school resources.

During his tenure with the DCSO, his assignments included Criminal Investigation Bureau, Uniform Patrol, the County Court Division, District Court Division, Entrance Screening Division, Front Desk Division, Court Services Bureau, Administrative Services Bureau, Rapid Deployment Unit, and the CALEA Division.

The Chief of Police, Hudson, is committed to providing a staff dedicated to continuous improvement and ongoing community relations through the education and training of its officers and citizens. Real Magazine spent time talking to Hudson, helping him settle into the city, and asking him a few questions.

RM: How did you hear about the 100 Black Men?

I was introduced to the 100 Black Men of Omaha by a close friend in the community. This individual knew that I did a lot of work in the community and that I was a youth mentor in the past. He knew I cared about the youth and did what I could to see them succeed.

RM: Tell us about your hobbies

I’m a very simple that enjoys my off time. I love hunting, fishing, camping, attending jazz festivals, community service, and spending time with my “couples group.” My wife (25 years married) and I have two other couples we spend time with. We take at least two trips each year as a group and spend a lot of time with each other. It is essential to be around other positive couples doing positive things.

RM: Share what you did in the Omaha chapter.

In the Omaha chapter, I was very active with the mentor program. I organized the youth fishing outing for the Omaha chapter. Many African American youths have never been fishing; that amazes me. I would arrange a youth fishing with the Nebraska Games and Parks. All kids who attended the event learned to fish and how to fish could participate for free. The event was a tremendous success for the youth and the volunteers.

Chief Hudson holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration. He graduated from the FBI National Academy’s 234th Session and various management and leadership schools. Hudson is a past President of the Metropolitan Chiefs Association. His professional organizational memberships include the National Organization for Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE), where he is an alumna of the Chief Executive Officer Mentoring Program, board member for the Black Police Officer’s Association (BPOA) of Omaha, board member for the Women Center for Advancement (WCA), and 100 Black Men of Omaha. He is also a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.

Chief Hudson has been recognized for his community work by being selected as the Douglas County Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Living the Dream award recipient and Urban League Leadership Award in Government. He is a 2021 Inductee to the Northwest High School Hall of Fame. He firmly believes that the community is at its best when law enforcement and the community collaborate to solve criminal justice issues.

Chief Hudson is married to his wonderful wife Jennifer of 25 years, and they have three wonderful children Kamile, Kiya, and Wayne II.

By James W. Wade III Editor