Chief of Police

Texas Tech University

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Texas Tech University (TTU), the Texas Tech University System Administration (TTUSA) and Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) are seeking a proven, high-impact law enforcement leader to serve as the next Chief of Police. This is an opportunity to lead at scale, operate at the center of institutional strategy, and redefine modern campus policing.

This is not a maintenance role. This is an opportunity to build, shape and elevate the institution.

The Chief will lead a department serving Texas Tech, TTUSA and TTUHSC, including regional campuses. The position sits at the intersection of public safety, compliance, student experience and institutional risk, requiring a leader who is equally comfortable in the field, in the boardroom, and in front of a campus community that expects both safety and engagement.

The institutions are on a clear upward trajectory with growing national prominence and bold research ambitions. The next Chief will have the mandate and the institutional backing to advance critical priorities, including modernizing campus policing strategies, strengthening mental health response models, enhancing community trust and leveraging emerging technologies to elevate security operations.

Reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President for Administration & Finance at TTU, this role carries significant visibility and influence. The Chief will be a key advisor to senior leadership, a primary liaison to external agencies, and a central figure in shaping the university's approach to safety, compliance and crisis response in an increasingly complex environment.

For the right leader, this is a career-defining platform: the ability to lead a sophisticated, multi-campus public safety operation, drive meaningful change and leave a lasting mark on a major institution.

Texas Tech offers more than a leadership role; it offers a community. Rooted in the values of West Texas, the university combines strong institutional pride, a collaborative culture and a quality of life that allows leaders to make an impact professionally while thriving personally.

The ideal candidate will be a decisive, forward-thinking leader—one who understands the nuances of higher education, commands credibility across diverse stakeholders and is ready to lead from the front.

TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY

Founded in 1923, Texas Tech University began with a mission to serve the needs of West Texas, but its impact has always reached far beyond. Today, Texas Tech, located in Lubbock (pop. 300,000+), is home to a vibrant community of more than 42,000 students.

Texas Tech's 1,800-acre campus showcases Spanish Renaissance architecture and is home to one of the country's largest public art collections. Its 13 colleges include a prestigious School of Law and a distinguished School of Veterinary Medicine. These programs equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in their respective fields.

Built on the values of West Texas - hard work, grit and authenticity - the university graduates students who are deeply engaged in service to their communities and well-positioned to succeed in the world. Texas Tech is committed to achieving research and scholarly accomplishments that compare favorably to the member institutions of the Association of American Universities (AAU).

For more than 100 years, Texas Tech has been a premier destination for those seeking a world-class education and a unique, personalized experience as a member of the Red Raider family.

TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES CENTER

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center is enriching the lives of others by educating students, providing excellent patient care, and advancing knowledge through innovative research. TTUHSC graduates more health care professionals than any other health care institution in the state, conferring 24.2% of all degrees and certificates awarded from health-related institutions in Texas. By providing comprehensive clinical services to more than 10 million individuals across 121 counties, TTUHSC is dedicated to advancing the health of people throughout Texas and beyond. This is where world-class education meets compassionate patient care - and we believe that our people are the reason for our institution's lasting success and bright future.

Being part of the TTUHSC team means being part of an innovative and supportive community that empowers each individual to do their best work. Through our values-based culture, TTUHSC is committed to cultivating an exceptional workplace community with a positive culture that puts people first.

THE POLICE DEPARTMENT AT TTU

The Texas Tech Police Department (TTPD) is a professional law enforcement agency, with commissioned and non-commissioned staff, responsible for ensuring the safety and security of one of the largest and most dynamic campuses in Texas. Serving a university community of students, faculty, staff and visitors, TTPD operates within a complex higher education environment that blends academic, residential, research and large-scale event settings.

TTPD provides comprehensive law enforcement services, including patrol operations, criminal investigations, emergency response, crime prevention and community engagement initiatives. The department plays a critical role in maintaining a safe campus environment while supporting the university's mission of teaching, research and service. Officers are commissioned peace officers in the State of Texas and are trained to respond not only to traditional law enforcement matters, but also to the unique needs of a campus population, including student development, mental health response and community-oriented policing.

A defining characteristic of TTPD is its integration within the broader university ecosystem. The department works in close collaboration with key campus partners such as Student Affairs, Title IX, Emergency Management, Housing & Residence Life, Athletics, and Marketing & Communications. This highly collaborative approach ensures coordinated responses toincidents, proactive safety planning and alignment with federal and state compliance requirements, including Clery Act and Title IX reporting.

The Chief of Police leads a department that serves Texas Tech University, the Texas Tech University System Administration and the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) in Lubbock, while also supporting regional TTUHSC campuses in Midland/Odessa, Abilene and Dallas. This structure requires a leader who can operate effectively across multiple locations and constituencies, balancing centralized leadership with the needs of distributed campus environments.

Campus policing at Texas Tech is inherently different from traditional municipal policing. The department must balance education and engagement with preparedness for complex threats, including large-scale events, Division I athletics, and the protection of sensitive research and national security assets. As such, TTPD is both a service-oriented and highly sophisticated public safety organization, requiring leadership that understands the intersection of law enforcement, higher education and community trust.

KEY ATTRACTORS TO THE ROLE

Opportunity to Lead at a Large, High-Profile Institution

• Serve a flagship university with a growing national prominence as well as one of the leading health related institutions in the state
• Be part of institutions with AAU-level research aspirations and significant momentum towards the future

Chance to Shape the Future of Modern Campus Policing

• Lead transformative initiatives in:
  • Mental health response (co-responder models)
  • Community policing and engagement
  • Advanced security technology (AI-enabled systems, surveillance, threat detection)
• Position the department as a model for contemporary campus safety

Highly Visible, Strategic Leadership Role

• Directly influence institution-wide safety strategy, compliance and culture
• Engage with senior leadership, research enterprise and external agencies
• Serve as a key voice in critical areas like Title IX, Clery and public safety policy

Strong Culture of Collaboration and Partnership

• Work within a campus environment that emphasizes:
  • Cross-functional collaboration (Student Affairs, Emergency Management, Research, etc.)
  • Strong relationships with local, state and federal law enforcement
• Opportunity to build and strengthen meaningful internal and external partnerships

Supportive “Red Raider" Community and Culture

• Join a university and city known for:
  • A strong sense of pride, loyalty and community
  • A “family feel” among faculty, staff and residents
• Work in an environment where relationships and impact matter

Quality of Life and Affordability

• Enjoy a low cost of living with high-quality amenities
• Benefit from:
  • Short commute times
  • Strong K-12 school options
  • Access to arts, culture and outdoor recreation
• Live in a community that offers balance and accessibility

Ability to Build, Develop, and Influence a Department

• Lead officer development, wellness and recruitment pipelines
• Shape departmental culture and operational excellence
• Leave a lasting institutional legacy through leadership and innovation

KEY LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AND PRIORITIES

Strengthening Relationships & Collaboration

• Deepen partnerships with:
  • Local law enforcement (Lubbock PD, Sheriff, DPS)
  • Emergency Management and campus stakeholders
  • Research leadership (for federal/classified security needs)
• Enhance coordination across departments (Student Conduct, Title IX, Marketing & Communications, Housing, etc.)

Community Policing & Engagement

• Expand visible, approachable policing presence
• Increase engagement through:
  • Town halls and campus forums
  • Student-facing initiatives (orientation, organizations, housing)
• Emphasize trust-building, transparency and responsiveness

Crisis Response & Mental Health

• Develop or expand co-responder models (officers + mental health professionals)
• Establish formal Crisis Intervention Teams (CIT/CIRT)
• Increase training and resources for non-traditional police calls

Compliance & Higher Education Expertise

• Strong knowledge of:
  • Clery Act, Title IX, VAWA, SB 212
• Ability to manage reporting, shared investigations and regulatory expectations
• Understand nuances of campus policing vs. municipal policing

Operational & Security Enhancements

• Improve:
  • Emergency preparedness exercises
  • Response times and communication
  • Off-hours patrol coverage
• Upgrade technology:
  • Surveillance systems (AI-enabled)
  • License plate readers
  • Event security screening

Officer Development & Wellbeing

• Focus on:
  • Physical and mental health of officers
  • Professional development opportunities
  • Recruitment pipelines (e.g., student patrol programs)

THE ROLE OF THE CHIEF OF POLICE

Ensure the mission of the Texas Tech Police Department, as determined by the Board of Regents and the Texas Tech System Administration, is accomplished. Provide administrative skills and perform supervisory duties for the Texas Tech Police Department to ensure standard police procedures, department policies and Texas Tech regulations are followed.

Duties Include, but are not limited to:

• Performs a variety of complex administrative, managerial and professional work in planning, organizing, coordinating, directing and evaluating the activities and programs of the Police Department.
• Administers departmental budget and authorizes purchase requisitions of supplies and equipment for the department within established limits.
• Handles grievances, maintains departmental discipline and ensures professional conduct of assigned personnel.
• Participates on a variety of boards, commissions and committees; prepares and presents staff reports and other necessary correspondence.
• Represents the Texas Tech Police Department and, when appropriate, the university in meetings and on committees involving community, state and federal agencies or offices.
• Drafts, reviews and/or approves departmental correspondence as requested or necessary.
• Develops, implements, revises and enforces departmental policies, procedures and methods of operations for all aspects of campus law enforcement.
• Cooperates with County, State and Federal law enforcement officers as appropriate where activities of the police department are involved.
• Serves as the supervisor for the Assistant Chiefs of Police and the Senior Administrative Assistant.
• Oversees the departmental reporting requirements for the Federal Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act of 1990 in conjunction with other departments including Title IV, Title IX, Dean of Students, Office of Student Conduct, etc.
• Evaluates campus security needs and develops programs to implement necessary improvements (including physical security and intrusion detection).

Global Competencies:

The following reflect the essential skills, behaviors and knowledge required to perform effectively and align with the university's standards of excellence:

• Customer Service Excellence - Consistently delivers high-quality service that meets or exceeds the needs of internal and external stakeholders.
• Dependability - Demonstrates reliability and consistency in completing responsibilities accurately and within established timelines.
• Compliance and Integrity - Adheres to all university and departmental policies, procedures and applicable laws.
• Planning and Organization - Effectively prioritizes work and manages time and resources to achieve goals efficiently.
• Professional Development - Actively participates in required training and certification programs and seeks opportunities for continued growth.
• Quality of Work - Produces work that is accurate, thorough and demonstrates attention to detail.
• Initiative - Proactively identifies needs and takes appropriate action to support departmental and institutional objectives.
• Collaboration and Relationships - Builds and maintains respectful, cooperative and productive relationships with a diverse range of colleagues and stakeholders.
• Adaptability - Responds effectively to change and demonstrates flexibility in a dynamic work environment.
• Communication - Communicates clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing; listens actively and remains open to feedback and new ideas.
• Accountability - Takes ownership of responsibilities and outcomes, demonstrating a commitment to high performance.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Advanced knowledge of law enforcement methods, state traffic and criminal laws and regulations, and court proceedings.
• Ability to organize work effectively, conceptualize and prioritize objectives, and exercise independent judgment based on an advanced understanding of organizational policies and activities.
• Ability to plan, direct and evaluate a complex operation, utilizing personnel, time, funds and other resources for the accomplishment of long and short-term goals of the department and the institutions.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Extensive knowledge of standard police practices and techniques.
• Extensive knowledge of federal, state and local laws and ordinances, particularly the laws of arrest and evidence.
• Ability to plan, assign and supervise the work and training of subordinates and to command their respect.
• Ability to analyze situations quickly and objectively and to determine proper course of action on own initiative.
• Ability to speak and write effectively.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree required plus ten (10) years law enforcement experience.
• Must meet commissioning standards for Texas Peace Officers as mandated by the Texas Commission of Law Enforcement (TCOLE).
• Possession of Texas driver license, or the ability to obtain.
• Must complete a TCOLE personal history statement and must pass a criminal history law enforcement background check.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's Degree in related field.
• Advanced law enforcement training.
• TCOLE Master Peace Officer Proficiency Certificate.
• Prior campus law enforcement at an institution of higher education.

Leadership Traits and Characteristics of the Next Chief of Police:

• Approachable, visible and student-centered
• Professional but not intimidating
• A strong communicator with “gravitas” across audiences
• Collaborative and partnership-oriented
• Balanced in safety + empathy
• Action-oriented (listens and follows through)
• Comfortable operating in a complex university environment