University Police Chief

Chief Objective of Position

The University Police Chief is tasked with the strategic leadership and direction of the University Police Department, encompassing the oversight of all law enforcement and public safety functions. This position involves managing a department comprised of 36 sworn officers and security personnel. The Chief bears the responsibility for ensuring adherence to all state and federal regulations, cultivating a secure and inclusive campus environment, and nurturing collaborative partnerships with the student body, faculty, staff, and the wider university community. Ultimately, the Chief’s endeavors are instrumental in supporting the University’s overarching mission and core values.

Work Tasks

The University Police Chief provides leadership and oversight for the University Police Department, ensuring professional, community-oriented law enforcement and public safety services in support of the mission and values of the University. Key responsibilities include:

1. Leadership & Administration

• Provide vision, direction and overall management for a 24/7/365 police department.
• Recruit, hire, train and evaluate departmental staff; fostering a culture of accountability, professionalism and service.
• Oversee departmental policies, procedures and standards to ensure consistency, alignment with best practices and applicable laws, including the Clery Act, Title IX, VAWA, FERPA, and Virginia DCJS requirements.
• Direct preparation, accuracy, and timely submission of mandated reports, including the Annual Security Report and crime statistics reporting.
• Manage departmental budget and resources to ensure fiscal responsibility and operational effectiveness.

2. Operations

• Direct uniformed patrol, security, investigations, crime prevention initiatives, and 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.

3. Community Engagement & Partnerships

• Serve as a visible and accessible representative of the University Police Department to students, faculty, staff, visitors, and neighbors.
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with campus stakeholders and external law enforcement agencies at the local, regional, state, and federal levels.
• Participate actively in campus and community forums, including Threat Assessment Team (TAT) and Campus Violence Prevention Committee (CVPC) and the Campus Review Committee for Sexual Violence (CRC-SV), to foster trust, transparency, and shared responsibility for safety.

4. University Administration

This position is a “designated position” meaning this position could potentially be required to work (depending on the event) during an emergency closing. This position is designated as a Campus Security Authority. ... Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities (KSA's) related to position

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Required Education

Master’s degree in a related field or a Bachelor’s degree with experience that equates to an advanced degree. Certification or eligible for certification by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services and possession of or eligible for a valid Virginia driver’s license.

Experience Required

The University Police Chief should have significant experience in the administration of a comprehensive security program at the federal, state, municipal or campus police level in the demonstration of law enforcement techniques, procedures, operations, investigations, court procedures, crime prevention, safety, and security. Supervisory experience required.

Additional Consideration - Experience

• Progressively responsible policing experience in a college or university setting.
• Experience working with financial data and managing an operating budget.
• Experience working with sexual assault and trauma victims and experience working with a diverse student population.
• Experience with Threat Assessment Teams and processes.
• Prefer a graduate of an advanced Law Enforcement Executive Development Program such as Command Training school or FBI Academy.