Herman Horton
OTHER EDUCATION:
- Jackson State University
Herman Horton is a Jackson native and class of 1983 graduate of Wingfield High School. He attended Jackson State University and received his Bachelor of Science in criminal justice and police services and his Master of Arts in criminology and justice services.
Horton is a retired U.S. Army master sergeant with 28 years of service (10 in the Marine Corps and 18 in the Army) where he served as a military police instructor, military police investigator, drill sergeant, deputy inspector general, and Army battle command training evaluator. A few of his military awards include the Army Achievement Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, the Mississippi Magnolia Medal from the adjutant general of the Mississippi Army National Guard, and the 66th Brigade Commander’s Award for Public Service.
In March 2022, Horton was named the new chief of police for Jackson State University’s Department of Public Safety. In prioritizing the safety of JSU’s students, Horton’s duties include developing the vision and mission of the department and oversight of the functions and services of Campus Police. Prior to becoming JSU’s chief of police, Horton was the police chief for Hinds Community College – Utica campus.
Horton is the former director of training for the Jackson Police Department, where he served as a police instructor, training coordinator, and training sergeant for over 28 police recruit classes. He also served as dignitary protection for former Jackson Mayor Harvey Johnson Jr. from 2010 to 2013. Horton’s law enforcement awards include Tri-County Officer of the Year, Jackson Police Department’s Officer of the Year, three-time Officer of the Month, Jackson City Council Outstanding Citizen, Department of Justice Public Service Award, and Mississippi State Senate Commendation as well as the recipient of the Mississippi Business Journal’s Healthcare Heroes Award.
His professional law enforcement certifications include Mississippi law enforcement instructor, firearms instructor, driving instructor, defensive tactics instructor, and mental health crisis/de-escalation instructor. He is also the former program coordinator for the Jackson Police Department’s Crisis Intervention Team. He also served on the Jackson Police Department’s Hostage Negotiation Team and commanded the department’s Civil Disturbance Team.
Horton is a lifetime member of the Brooks W. Stewart Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 9832 and serves on the board of trustees where he is a member of Cathedral A.M.E. Zion Church. He is married to Shameka Horton, and they have three sons.
