Chief of Police
Founded in 1881, the University of Connecticut (UConn) is the state’s flagship institution of higher education and serves a total enrollment of approximately 32,000 students on the main campus in Storrs and its six regional campuses across the state in Farmington (UConn Health Center), Hartford (Law and Downtown Campuses), Stamford, Avery Point, and Waterbury. Designated as a research university/very high research activity by the Carnegie Foundation, UConn is ranked 23rd by U.S. News & World Report among national public universities in the United States. Connecticut’s commitment to higher education helps UConn attract students who thrive in the most competitive environments, as well as globally renowned faculty members. Through its $1.6B Next Generation Connecticut investment, the State of Connecticut greatly expanded educational opportunities, research, and innovation in the science, technology, engineering, and math disciplines at the university. As a vibrant, progressive leader, UConn fosters a diverse and dynamic culture that meets the challenges of a changing global society and provides a stimulating and rewarding environment in which to learn, work, and contribute.
Reporting to the Associate Vice President for University Safety, the Chief of Police (Chief) leads a large multi-location police department that provides comprehensive law enforcement services to the university’s campuses throughout Connecticut. The Chief leads State of Connecticut certified police officers within a CALEA-accredited department and is responsible for providing leadership in promoting values-driven policing that combines progressive public service with successful strategies and collaboration among university community members and departments, and that reflects an understanding of how both large and small university communities interact within their respective campuses and among each other. The Chief is also responsible for leading a multi-location security services department that protects and enhances security at UConn’s facilities, is a visible and identifiable deterrent to negative behavior, and that serves as a customer service ambassador to the community at large. Additionally, the Chief must have the ability to evaluate and address issues from a state-wide perspective and understand the department’s role in multiagency endeavors. The Chief serves as the chief law enforcement officer and is responsible for protecting life and property, preserving peace, maintaining order, and directing the enforcement of all federal, state, and local laws within the jurisdiction of the university; develops strategic goals and objectives for the UConn Police Department to include positioning the department as a responsive police department that is recognized broadly as committed to the safety and care of the university community; provides direction and guidance in alignment with department and university mission and values serving as the framework by which all security activities, patrol operations, investigations, and event management are planned, organized and executed; and develops and implements policies and procedures to ensure the health, safety, and security of students, faculty, staff, and visitors, including patients at UConn Health. The Chief provides leadership for a staff of 117, including 86 sworn officers.
A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and a minimum of twelve years of progressive policing experience and training (FBI, state, general) in law enforcement, including at least six years serving at a command level rank with diverse responsibilities including assignments in administration or supervision of special programs in a department with similar size and complexity to the University of Connecticut are required. A master’s degree from an accredited institution or a terminal degree such as a Ph.D. or law degree, participation and completion of an executive-level law enforcement training course such as the FBI national academy, and experience working at and commanding police personnel in a university setting are preferred. The ideal candidate will possess a demonstrated commitment to, and past experiences with, diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts both within a department and the broader community; the ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with senior administration, deans, students, faculty, staff, parents, governmental authorities, community and municipal groups and the public; the ability to understand the complexities of student life and the needs/issues of the campus communities; and the vision and ability to anticipate and adapt to, at times, a changing environment while maintaining the safety and order of the university. Candidates must possess and maintain authority through Connecticut General Statute 10a-156b “to arrest and present before a competent authority any person for any offense committed within his precinct” and must be able to obtain and maintain Connecticut P.O.S.T. Police Officer Certification including having the ability to operate police equipment and weapons and also demonstrate physical and psychological fitness. In addition, candidates are subject to selection standards pursuant to Section 7-294-a-e of the Connecticut General Statutes and the regulations of the Connecticut Police Officer Standards and Training Council, which require the ability to successfully pass a background investigation including a polygraph and psychological examination.
Storrs, CT 06269
United States
Review of applications will begin On April 5, 2023, and continue until the position is filled. A resume with an accompanying cover letter may be submitted via the Spelman Johnson website at www.spelmanjohnson.com/open-positions. Nominations for this position may be emailed to Mark Hall at mah@spelmanjohnson.com. Applicants needing reasonable accommodation to participate in the application process should contact Spelman Johnson at 413-529-2895 or email info@spelmanjohnson.com.
Visit the University of Connecticut website at www.uconn.edu.
At the University of Connecticut, our commitment to excellence is complemented by our commitment to building a culturally diverse community.
The University of Connecticut is committed to building and supporting a multicultural and diverse community of students, faculty and staff. The diversity of students, faculty and staff continues to increase, as does the number of honors students, valedictorians and salutatorians who consistently make UConn their top choice. More than 100 research centers and institutes serve the University’s teaching, research, diversity, and outreach missions, leading to UConn’s ranking as one of the nation’s top research universities. UConn’s faculty and staff are the critical link to fostering and expanding our vibrant, multicultural and diverse University community. As an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer, UConn encourages applications from women, veterans, people with disabilities and members of traditionally underrepresented populations.