The Columbia Police Department (CPD) proudly announces that Deputy Chief Melron Kelly is one of 41 leaders from across the Midlands and surrounding area selected to participate in the Riley Institute at Furman’s Diversity Leaders Initiative (DLI) this spring.
“Though we are a diverse population, discovering ways in which differences can be stre
ngth in our organizations is of utmost importance as we seek to grow and support a thriving economy and rich culture,” says Dr. Donald Gordon, executive director of the Riley Institute.
DLI class members are identified through a rigorous process including a nomination, application and interview. Individuals are selected to join the class based on their capacity to impact their organizations and communities.
Deputy Chief Kelly says, “The Columbia Police Department is focused on community policing, combined with the 21st Century Policing Initiative. We cannot arrest or prosecute our way out of a crime problem. It takes partnership with those we serve to prevent and reduce crime.”
Over the course of five months, Deputy Chief Kelly will learn about diversity and how to suspend assumptions.
He will also work in small, cross-sector groups to respond to real issues and opportunities in the community through a service project.
DLI graduates become Riley Fellows, members of a powerful, cross-sector, statewide leadership network that includes CEOs of corporations, mayors, city and county council members, legislators, school superintendents, pastors and rabbis, non-profit heads, chamber of commerce directors, and community leaders.
There are more than 1900 Riley Fellows statewide.
Deputy Chief Kelly was born and raised in Columbia, S.C., having attended Columbia High School. He also graduated from South Carolina State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice. Deputy Chief Kelly began his law enforcement career with CPD in 1990 as an Explorer at the age of 13. He is a member of various community and social organizations including, the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) National Academy | Class 270, The Southern Police Institute, Heroes in Blue, Sowing Seeds, The Columbia Community Relations Council, and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity.