Constable Kent Wilson is the latest addition to the Taylor University Police Department.

Over the summer, Taylor Campus Police were tasked with finding a new full-time officer after one officer left a vacant position. After hearing Wilson’s testimony and level of experience, Police Chief Jeff Wallace said he was obligated to hire him.

Wilson is originally from Fort Wayne, Indiana, and has worked as a detective for 15 years for the Marion Police Department. He is 49 years old.

According to his online resume, Wilson was assigned to the Property Crimes Division and worked on cases ranging from theft, fraud and forgery to white and blue collar crimes.

Prior to coming to Taylor, Wilson worked with Walden Security at the Fort Wayne Federal Courthouse for 16 months.

His fast-paced work ethic and interpersonal skills led to his hiring.

At Taylor, his duties include unlocking and locking buildings, enforcing traffic and patrolling the campus.

“The greatest deterrent against crime is a police presence which is a huge part of what it does,” Wallace said.

While an officer’s level of experience is important in the hiring process, each candidate must also answer a series of faith-based questions, including their personal journey in the faith and current religious commitments.

Applicants to the Taylor University Police Department must also be certified, current, and current with the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA).

“He’s got the right frame of mind and the right heart to come here,” Wallace said. “We spoke several times during the hiring process about my expectations for students to get to know it and not just the badge. He feels that God called him here. He’s not here just for a job, but he believes that’s where God called him to be.

Taylor University currently employs 11 police officers. Four of these officers hold full-time positions with up to 40 hours per week. Wilson works from 4 p.m. to midnight Sunday through Thursday.