Chief of Police – Director of Public Safety

Role Overview

• Under minimum supervision, manages all aspects of the integrated operations within the University Police Department and provides executive oversight of campus-wide public safety functions.
• Oversees and coordinates supervision of subordinate management and operating staff within the department.
• Responsible for managing law enforcement, security, emergency management, Clery compliance, and related public safety services for Campus Safety and Police.
• This position directs plans, oversees operations, and evaluates programs to ensure the protection of life and property, detection and investigation of crimes, enforcement of laws, rules, and regulations, and the development of comprehensive campus safety strategies.
• As Chief of Police, the position provides full command authority over sworn law enforcement operations.
• As Director of Public Safety, the position provides executive-level leadership and strategic oversight of institution-wide safety, emergency preparedness, compliance, and risk management initiatives.
• Manages operations to ensure a high level of professionalism, ethical conduct, regulatory compliance, and positive public relations, recognizing the department’s high visibility and public contact role within the University community.
• Plans, organizes, directs, and oversees the daily activities and long-range strategic operations of the Police Department and campus public safety functions.
• Exercises full command authority over supervisory personnel and sworn police officers who provide personal, real property, and equipment security throughout campus, ensuring consistent and equitable enforcement of local, state, and federal laws and University regulations.
• Provides executive oversight of emergency management planning, preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery operations for the University.
• Oversees Clery Act compliance, campus crime reporting, timely warnings, emergency notifications, and related federal regulatory requirements.
• Participates in strategic planning and policy development for the department and broader institutional safety initiatives; represents the department and University to internal stakeholders, law enforcement agencies, regulatory bodies, the media, and the general public.
• Reviews and approves reports on incidents and crime investigations and ensures compliance with applicable reporting standards.
• Coordinates with internal and external organizations regarding major campus activities, including athletic events, concerts, speakers’ series, commencements, and public assemblies; oversees, assesses, and responds to critical campus law enforcement, public safety, emergency management, and security concerns.
• Supervises Campus Safety & Police department staff, including sworn officers, emergency management professionals, dignitary/executive protection officers, security personnel, security camera monitors, transportation or parking personnel, Clery compliance professionals, and office staff.
• Develops and implements policies and procedures consistent with University, state, and federal laws to ensure efficient, safe, and compliant operation of all public safety units.
• Oversees all facets of departmental operations, ensuring compliance with University policies, state and federal laws, accreditation standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Oversees personnel management, including work allocation, training, performance evaluation, disciplinary recommendations, and employee development to promote productivity and accountability.
• Participates in developing, implementing, and maintaining policies, objectives, short
• and long-range strategic plans; assists in the development and implementation of projects and programs that support institutional safety goals.
• Assists subordinates in the performance of duties; reviews cases and operational matters with command staff and provides guidance and direction.
• Assists in the annual budget planning process and monitors departmental expenditures.
• Maintains appropriate departmental records in accordance with applicable regulations, policies, accreditation standards, and best practices.
• Attends meetings, workshops, and participates on University committees as assigned, including behavioral intervention or threat assessment teams.
• Represents the department at community and professional meetings and promotes public safety programs and initiatives.
• Responsible for the management and enforcement of all traffic and parking logistics. This includes developing and implementing campus access and traffic control strategies for normal and special event operations, and ensuring safe and efficient vehicle and pedestrian movement across all campus locations.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree; graduation from an accredited law enforcement academy; at least 5 years of experience that is directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.
• Successful completion from an accredited police supervision and management academy.
• Master degree preferred or graduation/equivalent from an executive leadership program such as IACLEA Executive Development Institute, FBI National Academy or Southern Police Institute.
• The selected candidate must demonstrate excellence in verbal and written communications, strategic planning skills, and the ability to foster a positive work environment while maintaining professional discipline in the department, must have a reputation for honesty, integrity and ethical conduct, and the inter-personal skills necessary to work successfully with students, faculty, staff, visitors and the general public.
• Applicant must also understand the national law enforcement accreditation process and associated standards.
• The selected candidate must have a demonstrated record of successful leadership.
• Licensing and Certifications: State of Kentucky Certified Law Enforcement Officer, or eligibility for Certification by waiver.

Benefits

• The chief should be expected to continue their professional development so as to enhance their leadership and management abilities
• It is recommended that the chief attend the next International Association of College Law Enforcement administrators (IACLEA) Executive Development Institute.