The 2017 Getzen Lecture on Government Accountability was presented by Charles H. Ramsey at the UGA Chapel on Wednesday April 12, 2017. Charles H. Ramsey is the former Commissioner of the Philadelphia Police Department and former Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia (MPDC). A native of Chicago, Ramsey joined the Chicago Police Department as an 18-year old cadet in 1968 where he served as a patrol officer, sergeant, lieutenant, and captain. Additionally, he served as Commander of the Narcotics Section from 1989 to 1992 before spending two years as a Deputy Chief of police force’s Patrol Division, In 1994, he was appointed Deputy Superintendent.

A nationally recognized innovator, educator and practitioner of community policing, Chief Ramsey is known for refocusing the Philadelphia Police Department and the MPDC on crime fighting and crime prevention through a more accountable organizational structure, new equipment and technology, and an enhanced strategy of community policing. Ramsey headed President Obama’s task force on 21st century policing.

Ramsey is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and holds undergraduate and graduate degrees from Lewis University in Romeoville, Illinois. He has served as an adjunct professor at Lewis University and Northwestern University.