The College of Humanities and Social Sciences is proud to honor Stephen Bamford, BS Law Enforcement '86, with the 2026 Distinguished Alumni Award in criminology, law and society.
Bamford retired from his law enforcement career in 2013, as the assistant chief of police for the City of Manassas, Virginia Police Department with 27 years of law enforcement experience. Professor Bamford has extensive experience in criminal investigations, patrol operations, crisis negotiations, and narcotics investigation.
He is currently is an adjunct faculty member and lecturer in the Department of Criminology, Law and Society at George Mason University. He has served in this capacity since 1998, teaching ethics, criminal investigations, policing in america, introduction to the criminal justice system and other and special topics including, bridging perspectives, bringing university students and police officers together for candid discussions regarding race, implicit bias, use of force, and police legitimacy.
Congratulations, Stephen Bamford!
The College of Humanities and Social Sciences honors distinguished alumni each fall at Community and Catalysts: Achievements, Awards, and Innovations. This signature event is a celebration of alumni, faculty, and students whose leadership, research, and service have made outstanding contributions to their fields, communities, and to the university.