Who is Who
Charles Prescott is the Chief of Police and Associate Vice President of Campus Safety at Morehouse College. A Morehouse alumnus and seasoned law enforcement leader, he is known for his integrity, faith-driven leadership, and commitment to mentorship, community safety, and servant leadership both in public service and ministry.
A Calling Beyond the Badge
There are moments in life when purpose calls louder than ambition. For Chief Charles Prescott II, that moment arrived not with ceremony, but with conviction. As he reflected recently, “Fate rarely calls us at the moment of our choosing. I never aspired to pastor, but obedience is far better than sacrifice.” Those words capture the essence of a man whose life has been guided by faith, leadership, and a steadfast commitment to serving others whether through law enforcement, mentorship, or ministry.
From his earliest days in public safety to his current role as Chief of Police and Associate Vice President of Campus Safety at Morehouse College, Charles Prescott has exemplified what it means to lead with integrity and humility. His career is more than a series of promotions; it is a testament to discipline, faith, and the belief that leadership is a form of service.
Foundation: The Making of a Servant Leader
Prescott’s journey began at the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice, where he monitored and provided crisis intervention for young offenders. These early experiences taught him the importance of empathy and the need for second chances values that would later shape his leadership philosophy.
As a deputy in the Burke County Sheriff’s Office, he deepened his understanding of justice and accountability. His work demanded compassion as much as courage, and Prescott quickly gained a reputation for his ability to balance firmness with fairness. These formative years built the foundation of a career centered on community protection and human dignity.
Ascent: Leadership in Action
Prescott’s leadership trajectory accelerated in Waynesboro, Georgia, where he played a pivotal role in creating the Vice/Narcotics and Violent Crimes Investigations Unit. His leadership of Operation Clean Sweep and Operation Lightning marked a decisive step in reclaiming neighborhoods affected by drug-related crime. The initiatives were more than law enforcement efforts they were acts of restoration aimed at rebuilding trust between police and the community.
At just 29 years old, Prescott became Assistant Chief of Police at Paine College in Augusta, Georgia one of the youngest law enforcement administrators in the state. There, he established the college’s first police department, developed its emergency management response plans, and overhauled evidence collection systems. His resourcefulness and strategic mindset transformed limited resources into lasting institutional improvements.
His path then led to Atlanta, where he joined the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office as Assistant Chief Investigator. Supervising over 40 investigators, Prescott worked in the major case division and later led the gang unit. His extensive expertise in criminal organizations earned him the distinction of being a qualified gang expert for court testimony, reflecting both technical mastery and professional respect.
As Chief Investigator for the Cobb County District Attorney’s Office, Prescott oversaw major investigations, including the special prosecution of the Ahmaud Arbery murder case a defining moment in Georgia’s legal history. His role in managing the prosecution team’s investigative strategy and security was a demonstration of his steady leadership under national scrutiny. During his tenure, he also negotiated key operational improvements, such as enhanced communications systems, upgraded protective gear, and modernized investigative tools. His ability to balance administrative foresight with frontline empathy defined his success.
Prescott’s expertise and leadership drew statewide recognition. Georgia Governor Brian Kemp appointed him to the Child Fatality Review Board, where he contributes to policy discussions that shape the future of child welfare and safety in Georgia.
Impact: Leading Through Education, Faith, and Mentorship
Returning to his alma mater, Morehouse College, as Chief of Police and Associate Vice President of Campus Safety, Prescott made history as both the youngest individual and the first alumnus to hold the position. His tenure has been marked by innovation, collaboration, and a deep sense of responsibility toward the institution that helped shape his own values.
Prescott’s leadership extends beyond policing. As a GA POST Senior Instructor, he has delivered over a thousand hours of training to police and fire recruits, command staff, and first-line supervisors. He co-designed new curriculum for the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police, ensuring that the next generation of public safety leaders are equipped not only with tactical knowledge but also with ethical grounding.
His educational achievements reflect the same commitment to growth: a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Morehouse College, a Master of Science in Emergency Management with a concentration in Homeland Security from Walden University, and a Master of Arts in Biblical Counseling from Apex School of Theology. He also holds Six Sigma Black Belt and Green Belt certifications, underscoring his dedication to operational excellence and continuous improvement.
Vision for the Future: Purpose Through Faith and Leadership
For Chief Prescott, leadership has never been confined to the boundaries of an office or a title. Recently answering a call to ministry, he embraces a new dimension of leadership that bridges faith and service. His message to others remains consistent: “Keep your eyes on God and your ears pressed firmly to His lips.”
This spiritual calling reinforces his lifelong belief that leadership is not about power, but about purpose. Whether training officers, safeguarding students, or guiding a congregation, Charles Prescott continues to live by the principle that true leadership begins with humility and ends with service.
Editorial Reflection
Charles Prescott’s journey from juvenile justice officer to Chief of Police and now a spiritual leader embodies a rare blend of discipline, empathy, and conviction. His career stands as a model for those who aspire to lead not only through authority, but through compassion and faith.
He reminds us that leadership is a calling, not a position; and that the greatest leaders are those who answer when purpose calls, even when it comes unexpectedly.
