Karhlton Moore

Karhlton joined the Meadows Institute with more than 20 years of experience in policy development, law enforcement collaboration, and public safety initiatives. Most recently, Karhlton served as the Director of the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA). In this role, he led federal efforts to support state, local, and tribal justice programs, overseeing grant funding and initiatives aimed at improving public safety and criminal justice systems across the United States. Prior to his tenure at BJA, Karhlton served as the Executive Director of the Ohio Office of Criminal Justice Services (OCJS). Under his leadership, OCJS administered state and federal grants for a wide range of public safety programs and facilitated policy initiatives addressing law enforcement, community-police relations, and criminal justice system improvements. One of his most impactful contributions was leading the Task Force on Community-Police Relations under former Ohio Governor John Kasich, which resulted in the establishment of the Ohio Collaborative Community-Police Advisory Board—a statewide initiative promoting law enforcement accountability and best practices.

In his role at the Institute, Karhlton works with staff, partner agencies and stakeholders to further the vision of the Health and Public Safety portfolio as well as developing a strategic and operational plan for the Caruth Police Institute. 

Karhlton received his Juris Doctorate from American University’s Washington College of Law and his Bachelor of Arts from Wright State University. Karhlton lives in Columbus, Ohio with his wife and their four children.