Dennis M. Payne, Ph.D.

Dr. Dennis Payne has a long distinguished career of excellence at Michigan State University, School of Criminal Justice as a student, police practitioner, administrator, faculty, author, consultant and trainer. Dennis excelled in the area of academics receiving both his Masters and Doctorate from Michigan State University.

Dr. Payne joined the Michigan State Police as a Trooper in 1955 and over his career was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel/Deputy Director.

During his State Police career, Dennis received two Meritorious Service Awards from the Michigan State Police Board of Awards. He was awarded the Bravery Award from the City of Detroit; was chosen as Detroit Times Policeman of the Month; and received an award of merit from the Hundred Club of Detroit. Dennis retired from the Michigan State Police in 1981 and served as a Management Consultant to the Governor of Michigan regarding emergency management issues.

Dr. Payne was a dedicated graduate assistant, coordinator of career development, instructor and professor at Michigan State University, School of Criminal Justice, retiring in 2001. As an Associate Professor Emeritus, he continues to teach both undergraduate and graduate criminal justice courses as needed. He has authored Police Liability: A Review of Law Suits Against the Police and is president of the Criminal Justice Consulting Corporation.