Augusta University police lieutenant recognized by international organization

Curtis “Chris” Dyal, community services lieutenant for the Augusta University Police Department, was recognized by the International Association of Chiefs of Police for the 2021 “40 Under 40” awards.  

The awards recognize the top 40 police leaders across the world under the age of 40 for their efforts in leading teams and initiatives within their respective communities. 

Winners are selected based on compliance with age and employment requirements, demonstration of values, commitment to law enforcement and capacity for leadership. 

“This is a distinguished and well-deserved honor,” said James Lyon, chief of police and assistant vice president of public safety at Augusta University.

Dyal received the award in recognition for leveraging his background in computer science to advance the department. 

Since arriving to AUPD in 2017, Dyal has developed a mobile data terminal program to help with police reports, implemented a new records management system, developed a digital evidence management system, redesigned the AUPD website, launched an electronic crash data process and become a certified cybercrime investigator. 

He was also instrumental in the creation of the police explorers program and the expansion of the department’s social media presence on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. 

Dyal said he is grateful to be part of Jaguar Nation, as he was once the recipient of Augusta University’s life-changing, life-saving work. 

“I was born with a life-threatening birth defect in Vidalia, Georgia, in 1983. I was rushed here to the Children’s Hospital of Georgia for emergency surgery. Our doctors patched me up and saved my life,” he said. “I spent the first night of my life with my mom in Children’s.” 

On Sept. 12, the IACP recognized awardees in a virtual ceremony. The IACP is the premier international police association with over 31,000 members.