Larry received his Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Grand Valley State University in Grand Rapids, MI and his Masters Degree in Police Administration, from Ferris State University. He graduated from the Federal Bureau of Investigations 218 session of the National Academy. He has also competed several certificate programs at Harvard University in Boston Mass. In February 2014, Larry released his first book “The components of A Safe School, which has received great reviews in the school safety community. His Second book, “The Fourth Generation of Babies Having Babies and the Impact of Urban Education” is expected to be released in the summer of 2021.

Larry Johnson was appointed Director of Public Safety & School Security of the Grand Rapids Public Schools on August 15, 1997. Executive Director of Public Safety in 2007; and Assistant Superintendent and Executive Director of Public Safety in January of 2012. He is currently serving as the Chief of Staff and Executive Director of Public Safety, where he supports 13 division within the district on the school academic plan.

Today, Larry is responsible for departments that consist of 15 special (sworn) police officers and 30 security officers. He oversees school safety and security issues, including emergency response and crisis management, bomb threats and safety and security training for teachers, administrators and support staff. In addition, Larry also supervisors the districts Risk Management Department, Management Information Systems, Freedom of Information, EEOC, Purchasing, Supply, Food Services and Internal Investigations Department, Print Service, Fleet Management, Facilities, Operations, Student Data Services and the districts staff development center.

In July 2014, Larry took over the leadership role as the President of the National Association of School Safety and Law Enforcement Officials, the oldest school safety organization providing school safety leadership, training. He has also served as Chairman of the Board and is currently the Vice-President of the organization serving a second term and opportunity to lead the organization.