Austin Community College District’s (ACC) new Chief of Police, Gizette Disher, is settling into her role leading the College’s police department. Chief Disher oversees a team of 94 commissioned officers and 20 professional staff, guiding all public safety operations across ACC’s campuses. She brings strategic leadership, operational oversight, and a focus on emergency preparedness to ensure the safety and well-being of the ACC community.
To help students, employees, and partners get to know her better, we sat down with Chief Disher for a Q&A.
- What drew you to the role of Police Chief at ACC?
What drew me to the Police Chief role at ACC was the opportunity to grow with the College as we move toward our North Star. I worked at ACC back in 1989 at the Northridge Campus, and I thought, ‘What better way to give back to the community and apply to the College that provided me the educational opportunity after high school?’ I also love how ACC has grown over the years, with over 11 campuses in Austin and the surrounding areas.
- How will you work to keep our campuses safe and welcoming?
Everything starts with leadership. I will ensure that I am engaged, visible, and present at all of the campuses. I will set the same standards for my officers. I believe it is important to show the ACC staff, faculty, students, and visitors that officers are here to help and provide assistance when they need it. I do not want people to see us as the enemy, but as their friend, helping them to achieve their goals.
- What does community policing look like to you?
To me, community policing is about building meaningful relationships and collaborating closely with students, faculty, staff, and visitors. It involves proactive engagement with the ACC community, and that starts by fostering trust and understanding. By prioritizing relationship-building, we as an ACC community can work together to address any challenges. Additionally, in order to build meaningful relationships, it starts by listening and learning about those perspectives different from your own.
- What’s something people might be surprised to learn about you?
Several years ago, I was a mobile DJ. I DJ’d at weddings, graduation parties, and any other types of celebrations.
- If you could take any ACC class, what would it be—and why?
I would love to take a sign language class. I think being a sign language interpreter would be an awesome experience. It’s just another language to learn.
- Do you have a favorite book, movie, or podcast you’d recommend?
My favorite movie is “The Silence of the Lambs.”