Deputy Chief of Investigations, University of Pennsylvania Police Department
Job Description

University Overview
The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn's distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America's Best Large Employers in 2023.
Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.
The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.
Posted Job Title
Deputy Chief of Investigations, University of Pennsylvania Police Department
Job Profile Title
Deputy Chief, Investigations
Job Description Summary
Reporting to the Chief of the University of Pennsylvania Police, the Deputy Chief of Investigations is responsible for assisting with the operations of the University of Pennsylvania Police Department (UPPD), which provides law enforcement, crime prevention, and educational services related to safety and security on and off campus. The Deputy Chief provides leadership and supervision to investigative personnel. The Deputy Chief will interact daily with various members of the Penn and West Philadelphia community, as the division continues to develop the next stage of its well-developed, highly awarded, comprehensive, community-based public safety program. This position is categorized as essential personnel and serves on-call (24 hours a day, 7 days a week) to respond to emergencies, as well as receive emergency/urgent notifications.
Job Description
Job Responsibilities
- The Deputy Chief of Investigations assists the Chief of Police of the University of Pennsylvania Police Department (UPPD), a proud CALEA-accredited law enforcement agency since 2001.
- The Deputy Chief is a senior leadership position responsible for overseeing all investigation functions within the department. This role provides strategic direction, leadership, and management for all criminal investigations.
- The Deputy Chief ensures investigations are conducted in compliance with applicable laws, university policies, and accreditation standards.
- The Deputy Chief will provide crime trends reports and evidence-based threat assessments to the Chief of Police.
- The Deputy Chief will assist in planning and managing all events involving the Police Department, including criminal and internal investigations, crime prevention and response, and dignitary and other protective services.
- The Deputy Chief serves as a member of the command staff and assists the Chief of Police in developing and implementing departmental goals. The position provides direct supervision to investigative supervisors and detectives. The Deputy Chief ensures investigative practices comply with federal, state, and local laws as well as university policies and accreditation standards.
- The Deputy Chief will liaise with and maintain effective relationships with partners in federal, state, and local law enforcement, as well as University City partners to ensure adherence to all applicable laws. This includes the Philadelphia Police Department, Pennsylvania State Police, Amtrak Police, FBI, Drexel Police, PA Attorney General's Office, Philadelphia District Attorney's Office, Philadelphia juvenile justice agencies, and all other relevant law enforcement partners.
- The Deputy Chief reviews all crime-related paperwork daily and ensures that jobs are correctly assigned and distributed in order to ensure adequate staffing, space, and equipment for performance of duties.
- The Deputy Chief provides operational reports and analyses setting forth progress, adverse trends, threat assessments, and appropriate recommendations or conclusions to the Chief of Police.
- The Deputy Chief is responsible for maintaining professional discipline in the department and adherence to appropriate policies and procedures of the department and the University, in a union environment.
- A successful candidate will possess a strong background in overseeing criminal investigations, excellent interpersonal skills, including effective oral and written communication, the ability to function under significant pressure or in times of crisis, and the capacity to handle and maintain confidential information.
- It is critical for the Deputy Chief to have experience in understanding and addressing the interests and needs within a highly diverse, decentralized environment, including demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, staff, faculty, and community partners that are built on confidence and trust.
- Further, the Deputy Chief will have experience with building strong partnerships with local and state law enforcement agencies and other service providers who have direct engagement with the campus. The Deputy Chief is also responsible for working in and creating a team environment and managing an annual budget.
- Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Additionally, a successful candidate will:
- Be a true team player with a high level of professional ethics and personal integrity, committed to open communication.
- Have an in-depth understanding of applicable laws, risk management, safety, and security procedures and policies necessary to inform an immediate and appropriate response to all safety situations.
- Continue to integrate UPPD as a member of the Penn community. Work to gain the trust and respect of the Penn and West Philadelphia communities through established principles of transparency and accountability, through empathetic and professional policing. Demonstrate a record of working with local law enforcement, sharing knowledge and resources. Have experience successfully managing significant events, dignitary protection, protests, and athletic competitions.
- Demonstrate a genuine willingness to engage in community policing practices, continual open communications, positive daily interactions, and responsiveness to needs and concerns. Make data-driven, evidence-based decisions on criminal investigations, and remain open to trying new approaches and technologies to address our challenges
Qualifications
- Graduation from an accredited college or University with a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, public administration, business administration, or a related field, with 7 to 10 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required. Master's degree is preferred.
- Candidates for this position must possess Act 120 certification (must be a graduate of a Pennsylvania municipal police academy or a graduate of an out-of-state police academy program recognized by the Municipal Police Officers Education and Training Commission (MPOETC) through the out-of-state waiver process). Further, candidates must possess a valid driver's license and must be at least 21 years of age.
Experience
- A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible management experience in law enforcement, including at least 5 years in a supervisory or command role.
To be considered for this position, applicants must submit both a resume and a cover letter.
Job Location - City, State
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Department / School
Division of Public Safety
Pay Range
$109,000.00 - $150,000.00 Annual Rate
Salary offers are made based on the candidate's qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, and in alignment with salary ranges based on external market data for the job's level. Internal organization and peer data at Penn are also considered.
Equal Opportunity Statement
The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected under applicable federal, state or local law.
Special Requirements
Background checks may be required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.
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