University Police Chief

Overview

The University Police Chief leads the University Police Department, providing strategic direction for all law enforcement and public safety functions. The Chief oversees a department of 36 sworn officers and security personnel and ensures adherence to state and federal regulations, fosters a secure and inclusive campus environment, and builds partnerships with students, faculty, staff, and the wider university community. The Chief’s work supports the University’s mission and core values.

• Provide leadership and oversight for a 24/7/365 police department with a focus on professional, community‑oriented law enforcement and public safety in alignment with the University’s mission and values.
• Recruit, hire, train, and evaluate departmental staff; foster a culture of accountability, professionalism, and service.
• Oversee departmental policies, procedures, and standards for consistency and legal compliance, including the Clery Act, Title IX, VAWA, FERPA, and Virginia DCJS requirements.
• Direct preparation, accuracy, and timely submission of mandated reports (e.g., Annual Security Report and crime statistics).
• Manage departmental budget and resources to ensure fiscal responsibility and operational effectiveness.
• Direct uniformed patrol, security, investigations, crime prevention initiatives, and the emergency communications center.
• Ensure proper investigation, documentation, and reporting of crimes, accidents, and incidents in accordance with Virginia Uniform Crime Reporting standards.
• Oversee training and professional development for officers in areas such as law enforcement techniques, safety, legal compliance, and de‑escalation practices.
• Ensure respectful, equitable, and trauma‑informed approaches to interactions with diverse populations.
• Ensure department readiness with respect to equipment, communication systems, and operational protocols.
• Develop and promote community policing initiatives, crime prevention education, and outreach programs that support student success and campus well‑being.
• Engage with the campus community: serve as a visible representative to students, faculty, staff, visitors, and neighbors.
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with campus stakeholders and external law enforcement agencies at local, regional, state, and federal levels.
• Participate in campus forums and committees (e.g., Threat Assessment Team, Campus Violence Prevention Committee, Campus Review Committee for Sexual Violence) to foster trust and shared responsibility for safety.
• Represent University Administration as a designated position that may be required to work during an emergency closing.
• Act as a Campus Security Authority as defined by university policy, with responsibilities to report crimes to the University Police for review, evaluation, and investigation.
• Hold responsibilities as a designated “responsible employee” with authority to address sexual violence and to report incidents as required.
• Maintain a strong focus on safety, health, and welfare of the campus and on safeguarding critical infrastructure; comply with fingerprint-based background checks.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with students, faculty, staff, guests, and employees; champion the university’s mission and values of honor, service, scholarship and leadership.
• Promote a safe and healthy work environment by enforcing safety regulations and ensuring staff are trained in safety procedures; report work‑related incidents within 24 hours according to university, state, and federal guidelines.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• The University Police Chief must demonstrate broad professional knowledge, leadership capability, and interpersonal skills to lead a modern, community‑oriented campus police agency.
• Required Education
• Knowledge of modern police principles, practices, and procedures (patrol, investigations, crime prevention).
• Understanding of federal and state laws, regulations, and reporting requirements applicable to higher education (Clery Act, Title IX, VAWA, FERPA, ADA).
• Working knowledge of Virginia DCJS standards for police certification, training, and compliance.
• Familiarity…