Adams new chief, Green deputy chief
By Bill Beene
Of the St. Louis American
As University City Mayor Joe Adams, an African American, kicks off his reelection campaign today, a new chief of police and deputy police chief are settling into their new digs at the municipality’s police station.
Former Major Charles E. Adams, age 54, became University City’s second, consecutive black police chief on Tuesday, replacing retiring former Chief Lee Payne, a 36-year veteran.
Adams is no new kid on the beat himself. He’s been on the force for more than 31 years and has missed very few days.
“I’ve been blessed,” he said.
“When you love what you do and you’re dedicated, it isn’t hard to get up and come to work. We all suffer minor illnesses, but as long as you believe you’re achieving and reaching a goal, coming to work is a joy.”
As police chief, Adams’ assignment is to make sure the proper personnel is in place doing what they do best to serve the community.
“The department is well established and has been operating at a great level, and we want to maintain that and enhance our efficiency and quality of life for the citizens,” Adams said.
Though Adams, who leads 79 officers, is a seasoned veteran who has worked everything from murders to petty fights, he said he’s still learning.
“I will be learning what policing means in the overall context. I’m on a new learning curve. I’ll work with the team and make sure we get the best possible job done,” Adams said.
Adams joined the force as a patrolman in 1974, working the streets and eventually training officers until 1982, when he was transferred to the detective unit. In 1985 he was promoted to patrol sergeant until 1989, when he became supervisor of detectives. He was promoted to captain in 1994 and major in 2002.
Adams feels good about the officer who took his deputy chief post.
“He’ll do an excellent job, form a good team, and we’ll work well together.” He’s very intelligent and knows policing,” Adams said of Major Ernest Green III, age 41, an 18-year veteran of the force.
Former Captain Ernest Green III was promoted to deputy police chief and major rank.
Green, who holds a master’s in Human Resources Development and Management, is in charge of 55 uniformed officers and the internal affairs division.
Green came up through the ranks as patrolman to D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) officer, detective to sergeant, lieutenant and captain.
Green is also president of the local branch of N.O.B.L.E (National Organization of Black Law Executives) and regional vice president for seven states.
“In this line of work, preparation, opportunity and community involvement are important,” Green said. “You never know when it’s going to present itself, so you have to stay well prepared, and your educational background should be impeccable.”
Both Green and Adams are big on community-oriented policing.
“When the police involve the community in problem-solving, the issues become all our problem,” Green said. “We bring in all the different resources to solve problems.”
That community of resources includes neighborhood watch groups, the department of public works, local churches, schools and business owners.
Adams said, “We’re all partners working together with a common goal for the common good.”
Mayor Joe Adams kicks off his reelection campaign today (Thursday, January 5, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.) at Jay Brandt’s, 6525 Delmar Blvd.
