Chief of Police-Savannah State University; GA

Chief of Police – Savannah State University (GA)

Apply for the Chief of Police role at the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE).

Savannah State University was founded in 1890 and is the first public historically black university in Georgia and the first institution of higher learning in Savannah. The university offers majors through five colleges:
Business Administration, Education, Engineering and Computing, Media, Arts, and Communication, and Science and Humanities.

The Chief of Police reports to the Vice President of Business and Financial Affairs and leads the Department of Public Safety. Responsibilities include overseeing uniformed police officers, security guards, dispatch services, emergency management, parking, and transportation. The position directs long‑term planning, proactive security management, compliance, reporting, and the ongoing improvement of campus safety.

• Plan, organize, and direct the operations of the SSU police department and transportation & parking services while promoting the unit’s mission.
• Provide police and public safety services, promoting a safe environment for the university community.
• Serve as the chief law‑enforcement officer, protecting life and property, preserving peace, maintaining order, and enforcing federal, state, local laws, and university regulations.
• Act as a campus representative in the emergency management plan and coordinate with the Emergency Management Coordinator.
• Recommend and implement policies on public safety, law enforcement, traffic, parking, and emergency preparedness.
• Ensure departmental compliance with federal, state, and local laws, and maintain knowledge of criminal procedure, search and seizure, and evidence rules.
• Lead compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act.
• Define vision, mission, goals, and strategies for the department, guiding continuous improvement.
• Recruit, develop, and recognize personnel, ensuring accountability and efficient use of human, fiscal, and property resources.
• Collaborate with the Vice President of Business and Finance to develop the annual budget.
• Maintain video systems and electronic access controls across campus.
• Promote public cooperation and goodwill.
• Prepare internal reports to outside agencies in conformance with legal and university standards.
• Coordinate with other law‑enforcement, criminal‑justice, and public‑safety agencies.
• Attend professional and criminal‑justice associations and conferences.
• Demonstrate knowledge of contemporary community‑oriented policing initiatives.
• Apply modern leadership methods that encourage problem‑solving and decision‑making.
• React to emergency situations with appropriate force.
• Utilize law‑enforcement equipment, including communications gear and firearms.
• Develop and manage a proactive crime‑prevention program on campus.
• Manage all arrests to ensure compliance with policy and law.
• Investigate criminal activity using proper investigative techniques.
• Monitor the campus alert system to ensure timely notifications.
• Perform other duties as required.

• Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice or related field (or equivalent experience on a year‑for‑year basis).
• Five years of progressively responsible command‑level law‑enforcement experience, preferably on a university campus.
• Valid Georgia driver’s license and ability to meet state police‑officer standards within six months.
• Pass a post‑offer physical, drug, psychological, credit, and criminal background examination.

• Master’s degree in Criminal Justice or related field.
• Higher‑education law‑enforcement experience.
• Experience in report writing and data analysis.
• Project management, planning, and presentation skills.
• Strong knowledge of university structure, policies, and practices.
• Advanced Microsoft Office Suite proficiency.

$ to $ annually.

• Strategic planning and management of resources.
• Understanding of federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
• Legal processes, criminal justice principles, investigation techniques.
• Excellent interpersonal,…