VCU news

By Corey Byers

Capt. Ervin “EJ” Taylor was promoted to an assistant chief of VCU Police on Friday. 

Taylor, who has been promoted through the ranks as a sergeant, lieutenant and captain, was named an interim assistant chief in June. He continues to oversee investigations, community policing, crime prevention, the VCU Police academy and the VCU Health police and safety portfolio. 

“The best part of my job is providing deserving, dedicated staff with opportunities for promotion and advancement,” VCU Police Chief John Venuti said of Taylor’s promotion. “Taylor constantly displays a strong desire to continue to learn, grow, and develop and he has a passion to serve the VCU community. He always works with student- and patient-centered approaches.”

A graduate of the VCU Police Academy, Taylor started working at VCU in 1997 and became an officer in 1998. Prior to that, he served four years in the U.S. Marines. 

He is certified in crime prevention and has experience in investigations, the police academy and patrol operations. He has completed FBI leadership training and is a graduate of Leadership Metro Richmond

“I never imagined myself being in Richmond for 20-plus years, let alone having the opportunity to be a leader at VCU Police,” Taylor said. “To have the love and trust of so many people from the VCU community, I'm just looking forward to our continued progress to new heights.”

Since June, he’s worked on deploying administrative officers at headquarters and high-visibility, deterrent assignments on both campuses. He serves on 10 committees at the university and created a safety and well-being award to honor officers who de-escalate situations involving community members in crisis. 

In addition, Taylor has worked on increasing awareness for the department’s commitment to Fair and Impartial Policing, to include the installation of graphics as visual reminders for staff and guests at police headquarters. 

He will continue to teach in the police academy as a general instructor and defensive tactics instructor for officers and as a Rape Aggression Defense instructor for community self-defense classes. 

“If you want something, believe in it,” Taylor said of his promotion. “In my career, I’ve found that people will try to label you and place you in the category they want you to be in. One of my favorite quotes comes from Kobe Bryant, and he says ‘If you are going to bet on someone, bet on yourself.’”