Baltimore City Public Schools (City Schools) is proud to announce Jeffrey Shorter's appointment as the new Chief of City School Police, effective August 26, 2024.
Shorter served for 28 years with the Baltimore Police Department (BPD), spending over a decade in leadership roles. During his tenure, he was a program director and commanded two patrol districts. He will assume command of the school system’s 90-member police force, which is responsible for ensuring students and staff have safe, secure environments for teaching and learning and for protecting school system property. 
His appointment follows a nationwide search that lasted more than six months and included input from a diverse group of students, district staff, local community and civic leaders, and School Police officers.
“Jeffrey Shorter is a great choice to serve as Chief of Police for City Schools. His leadership in implementing high-quality community policing strategies in our city and his desire to improve the lives of children are just what the school system needs,” said Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott. “He has done tremendous work with communities. The City looks forward to working with him in his new role to ensure a safe learning environment for our students and schools.”
“Our ideal police chief is a proven leader who combines policing expertise with the ability to work with the community and build and maintain relationships critical to keeping our schools and offices safe. After reviewing a wide range of candidates, we are confident Jeffery Shorter is up to the task,” said Dr. Sonja Brookins Santelises, chief executive officer of Baltimore City Public Schools (City Schools). “Chief Shorter knows policing in Baltimore, has relationships with City School Police, and can rally others to the cause. He’s the right candidate for this moment.”
During his tenure with the BPD, Shorter commanded both the Northeast and Northern patrol districts, which were similar in size and budget to the City School Police and covered overlapping areas. He also spent two years as the program director of BPD’s Community Collaboration Division, where he led initiatives to reduce recidivism, mentor youth, create employment opportunities, mend community relationships, and provide need-based resources.
“The youth of today are not only our future, they are our now. We must be the guiding light to lead them into a successful and safe tomorrow. If not now, then when; if not us, then who?,” said Chief Jeffrey Shorter. “I am honored to join Baltimore City Schools, and I am looking forward to continuing and growing the collaborative and supportive partnership between School Police, our students and school community.”
Shorter is a military veteran with a Bachelor's and Master of Science in Criminal Justice Administration from Coppin State University.