With such a large presence from Troy University in Pike County, it is necessary for the school to have its own functioning police force, which is where Det. James Taylor calls home.

A four-year member of the Troy University Police Department, Taylor attended the police academy in San Diego before becoming a patrol officer for the Greenville Police Department in 1995.

After Greenville, Taylor worked in Conecuh County as chief deputy and spent time at the Escambia County Sheriff’s Department before coming to Troy.

As a detective for the university police, Taylor investigates crimes that occur on campus, as well as maintains evidence during investigations.

“I got involved in law enforcement for the same reasons I think a lot of officers do,” Taylor said. “It’s kind of a Superman syndrome. I always hated the bullies and wanted to help those who couldn’t help themselves. I get a great satisfaction out my job and a strong sense of responsibility.”

Although the University Police carry the same power as the city police force, the campus team has to deal with many different responsibilities.

As much of their patrol area is made up of students and campus property, they have to use special care during investigations and dealing with victims.

“In a college setting you always have to keep in mind that it’s not only the victim, but it’s also their parents, the faculty and the school itself,” Taylor said. “You have to make sure the college is always working to promote safety for the students and always working to help and assist them.”

In the past year, Taylor has been involved in the investigation of several major campus crimes, including the break-in at the stadium towers and the armed-robbery of a student earlier in the spring.

“We’ve had several big cases this year,” Troy University Police Chief John McCall said. “Taylor has been really instrumental in getting these cases solved, and without his hard work and dedication we wouldn’t have been able to do that. He’s really gone above and beyond the call of duty and he takes a personal interest in all of his work.”