Criminal justice graduate earns master’s degree to charge ahead in law enforcement career

Police officer Bryant Hall (’20) didn’t hesitate to intervene when he heard cries for help.

Hall was making a routine grocery stop at a Harris Teeter in Chesapeake, Va., one day in 2018, when it happened — a customer, struggling to breathe, was choking on some food he was sampling.

“There’s no doubt in my mind that God placed me there,” said Hall, who quickly acted by performing the Heimlich maneuver. “When I heard cries for help, I looked up, and I could see the anguish on everyone’s face. I just went over and did what I had to do. … The gratitude from the family members is something that will stay with you forever.”

Hall brought more than dinner home that night; he brought the satisfaction of saving a life. It is moments like these, even off duty, that make police work so gratifying, he said.

“It’s not something I’m trying to brag on,” said Hall, 40. “It’s what police officers are supposed to do. We’re supposed to make your life safe and to save you from anything we can. … I felt like I was holding my end of the bargain. It was a relief for me that I was able to save him.”

Last week, Hall participated in his on-campus degree presentation ceremony as one of over 23,000 in the Class of 2021 to earn a degree from Liberty University Online Programs. He earned his Master of Science in Criminal Justice — Public Administration. Criminal justice was one of the top five overall majors for this year’s graduating class.

Liberty’s Commencement also coincided with National Police Week, a time to reflect on and thank the many law enforcement officers who selflessly protect our streets, campuses, and communities. Liberty University recognized the week and President Jerry Prevo acknowledged these everyday heroes.

“I am truly a proud Liberty alumnus,” Hall said as he prepared for his ceremony. “This school means a lot to me, just everything it stands for. It has made me a better person. … I finally got to a place where I was able to manage work, home life, and continue my education. And I just jumped at the opportunity.”

Hall has been a law enforcement officer for over a decade, serving in multiple roles. He has helped investigate and reduce crime related to street gangs, received five public service awards from the U.S. Attorney’s office, and received Officer of the Year from the American Legion Post 190.

Additionally, Hall was the 2013 Hampton Roads Top Cop for the city of Portsmouth, and has served as Lieutenant and Chief of Staff and Public Information Officer for the Portsmouth Police Department. While in Portsmouth, he created the Teens and Traffic Stops program, an initiative that teaches youth how to navigate various interactions with police officers. He also mentored and tutored children from his local elementary school. These actions, Hall said, are the best way to minister to the next generation.

“I can talk a good game and say what I’m supposed to do, but our actions are ultimately what people pay attention to,” Hall said. “If they see that I love the Lord, I think that means a lot and goes a long way. Those young kids that we’re mentoring are going to grow up one day and remember spending time with Captain Hall. I think that that is the most viable thing I can put out into the world.”

Hall said he always knew he wanted to be a public servant.

“I’ve always thought being a police officer was a noble profession, from a small child,” he said. “I would see police officers in uniform and think to myself, ‘that’s the best of the best.’ How noble it is to stand up to the face of danger, even when you know people don’t like you. But you still do what you’re supposed to do. That has always resonated with me.”

Hall said he gravitated toward Liberty’s program because of its mission of Training Champions for Christ. During his time with Liberty, he has been able to access elite-level training that would otherwise not be available, he said. In his courses, he explored critical leadership philosophies and ethics in law enforcement. He said that his current job, which involves releasing memos and reviewing policy, became much easier after being challenged by Liberty’s criminal justice professors and course work.

“The amount of reading and writing I was required to do — from discussion boards, assignments, quizzes and tests — it helped me in my day-to-day work, because I’m writing so much.”

Hall currently serves as Captain of the University of Virginia Police Department and hopes to assume a Chief of Police role at a police department in the future.