"Director of Public Safety/Chief of Campus Police"

Job Description

The Director/Chief reports to the Vice President of Administration and Finance and serves a dual role as Director of Public Safety and Chief of Campus Police. As the highest-ranking officer of the police department, the Director/Chief serves as the primary resource and advisor to the University on all matters related to safety, security, law enforcement, and emergency preparedness.

Unlike traditional municipal policing, this position requires a proactive, prevention-first approach aligned with the academic mission and values of Bowie State University. The Director/Chief provides strategic leadership, anticipates emerging risks, develops and implements forward-looking safety policies, and fosters a culture of trust, preparedness, and shared responsibility across the campus. The role balances executive administrative oversight with visible, engaged leadership to ensure that public safety strategies align with the needs of a diverse, dynamic learning environment.

Responsibilities:

• Proactively plans, organizes, directs, and evaluates all Department of Public Safety activities, integrating risk assessment, data analysis, and best practices to prevent incidents and enhance campus well-being, while ensuring compliance with all laws, ordinances, and University policies.
• Leads and sustains the University’s compliance with the Clery Act through ongoing review, training, and process improvement.
• Oversees responses to internal and external audits, including proactively minimizing compliance risks, preparing for audit reviews, and developing and implementing corrective action plans to ensure ongoing adherence to applicable laws, regulations, and accreditation standards.
• Develops, implements, and continuously improves campus safety policies and procedures to anticipate evolving threats and meet the unique needs of the university community.
• Oversees and manages the Department of Public Safety operating budget to align resources with strategic safety priorities and long-term planning goals.
• Ensures the protection and well-being of students, faculty, staff, visitors, service providers, and University property through preventive strategies and responsive services.
• Provides uniform security and police patrol services 24/7 with an emphasis on visibility, relationship-building, and deterrence.
• Leads safety and security planning for high-profile university events such as Homecoming, Commencement, athletic contests, and visiting dignitaries, coordinating proactively with internal and external stakeholders to ensure a safe and welcoming environment.
• Directs and participates as needed in investigations, crime prevention, community relations, and special events, with a focus on proactive risk mitigation.
• Builds and sustains collaborative relationships with local, county, state, and federal law enforcement and emergency services to enhance coordinated preparedness and response.
• Designs and delivers safety education and emergency preparedness programs and training for students, faculty, and staff, embedding safety awareness into campus culture.
• Works cooperatively with student organizations, faculty, staff, and community stakeholders to address safety concerns through collaboration and open communication.
• Implements systems, tools, and procedures to adapt to changing physical, legal, and personnel conditions in higher education environments.
• Commands the Bowie State University Campus Police Department, including sworn officers, public safety aides, and dispatchers, ensuring high standards of training, professionalism, and accountability.
• Ensures compliance with mandated annual training by the Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commission (MPTC) and promotes ongoing professional development.
• Develops and enforces written policies, directives, and personnel orders to guide departmental operations and maintain professional discipline.
• Oversees investigations for internal infractions and implements corrective measures to sustain a culture of integrity and excellence.
• Manages the Parking Enforcement Unit and ensures hearings and enforcement processes support broader campus safety goals.
• Evaluates, adopts, and oversees the use of advanced safety and security technologies — such as weapons detection systems, surveillance enhancements, drones, and data-driven analytic tools — to strengthen prevention, response, and overall campus safety operations.
• Leads the development, implementation, and regular testing of the University’s Emergency Preparedness Program to ensure readiness for all hazards.
• Partners closely with the University’s Office of Risk Management to align on enterprise risk priorities, particularly in the development, coordination, and execution of emergency operations, business continuity, and crisis management plans.
• Oversees the Department’s CALEA accreditation process and integrates accreditation standards into daily operations.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Considerable knowledge of university rules, regulations, and modern campus policing practices.
• Strong understanding of community-oriented policing and prevention-focused public safety strategies.
• Familiarity with the campus layout, surrounding community, and unique risks within a higher education environment.
• Skill in strategic planning, policy design, and implementation of proactive safety initiatives.
• Ability to anticipate and respond to emerging safety and security trends in higher education.
• Skill in the use of firearms and approved methods of apprehension and self-defense.
• Ability to lead, supervise, and evaluate personnel with an emphasis on professional growth, accountability, and succession planning.
• Ability to manage crises effectively while maintaining clear communication and composure.
• Ability to prepare accurate reports of investigations, safety assessments, and departmental performance.
• Ability to foster trust and maintain effective relationships with diverse campus and community populations.
• Successful completion of a standard state-recognized high school course and successful completion of advanced courses and seminars in various phases of police work.
• Demonstrated leadership in all phases of law enforcement work, preferably in a campus or community-oriented policing environment; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Must have a minimum of 10 years of Law Enforcement experience and 5 years of Law Enforcement command experience.
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Must be qualified in the use of firearms and any other specialized equipment deemed necessary.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree from an accredited college or university.
• Experience in strategic planning, policy development, and proactive community engagement is strongly preferred.

Conditions of Employment:

Not Currently Available.

Additional Job Information:

Benefits include medical, dental, prescription, long-term disability, accidental death and dismemberment insurance and life insurance; paid time for paid sick leave, annual leave, and personal leave; 12 paid holidays per year, tuition remission; employer-funded pension and supplemental retirement accounts.