David T. Snively, Ph.D. has served in public safety since 2007, rising from 911 dispatcher to Interim Chief of Police. He has held positions and commanded units in 911 Communications, Patrol, Traffic and DUI Enforcement, Investigations, Recruiting, Accreditation, Public Information, and Training. Dr. Snively now serves as an Assistant Director at the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), where he oversees the Center for Police Research and Policy and supports the Member Engagement Team. This team coordinates the efforts of more than 800 volunteer leaders working in three divisions, 27 committees, and 23 sections, representing the IACP’s nearly 35,000 members in over 170 countries.
Dr. Snively is a graduate of the Northwestern School of Police Staff and Command, PERF’s Senior Management Institute for Police and the Georgia Chief Executive Training course. He is a Master Instructor and holds specialty instructor certifications in Duty to Intervene, Integrated Communications and Tactics (ICAT), Use of Force, Firearms, Taser, and Field Sobriety. He is also a Use of Force Analyst and a Master Public Information Officer.
In addition to his professional experience, Dr. Snively an adjunct instructor of Criminal Justice and Criminology at Georgia State University where his research focuses on police training, education requirements, and policymaking. He was selected as a National Institute of Justice LEADS Scholar in 2021 and a Doctoral Fellow of the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences in 2021. Dr. Snively remains a sworn reserve officer in metro-Atlanta.