When it comes to policing, Jonathan Thomas, the new chief of police for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, says he focuses on several things including self-improvement, being a good human and treating others with empathy.

And when families drop their children off at a CMS school, Thomas wants them to know their children are in good hands.

“It’s a huge responsibility, and one that we take seriously,” said Thomas. “I am going to ensure that our officers, the training programs we have and the preventative methods we have are the best.”

Originally from Burlington, N.C., Thomas remembered growing up playing “Cops and Robbers,” and always chose the role of the cop. Thomas initially considered a degree in business, but after taking a couple of criminal justice courses while at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and making friends who were already in law enforcement, he decided to change paths.

“I couldn’t see myself sitting in an office or a cubicle all day,” he said. “I loved the freedom that being a law enforcement officer gave me.”

Thomas has nearly three decades of experience working with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department — holding titles including officer, sergeant, lieutenant, captain and police major — and has coordinated with several agencies for major events including presidential visits, inaugurations and Hurricane Helene relief efforts.

But as Thomas was getting closer to retirement, he said he wasn’t ready to hang up his badge.

“I wasn’t done yet,” said Thomas. “I met the people who worked here and saw the ability to continue what I enjoy and to help protect people. When I saw the value I could bring and the value this organization brings to CMS, it was something I really wanted to jump into.”

Thomas began working with CMS in August, and he said he’s working with a strong team consisting of 25 sworn law enforcement officers — with an average of 28 years of experience in law enforcement — and 200 civilian staff. Thomas is the fourth chief of police for CMS. His predecessors include Bud Cesena, Randy Hagler and Lisa Mangum.

“Chief Mangum said CMS is a great place with great people and that I would enjoy it,” he said. “And she was right.”

In his first month, Thomas said he can see how dedicated his team is to ensuring students and staff are safe on campus. During his Oath of Office ceremony at the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government Center on Sept. 16, Thomas said he’s committed to building upon the work of the former chiefs to ensure the safety of the district.

“The responsibilities of a police chief encompass more than enforcing laws,” said CMS Superintendent Dr. Crystal Hill. “It also involves building trust within our community and ensuring that we all feel secure and supported. Chief Thomas brings strong leadership and an unwavering dedication to serving the students and staff of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. I am confident that he will lead the CMS Police Department with strength and compassion.”