Assistant Vice President and Chief of Police

About the Job

Position Overview: The Assistant Vice President and Chief of Police (AVP/COP) is responsible for providing high quality, comprehensive public safety services for the University of Minnesota. This position reports to the Executive Vice President for Finance and Operations and leads the University of Minnesota Department of Public Safety, which includes the Police Department (UMPD) and University Security on the Twin Cities campus and the Public Safety Emergency Communications Center (PSECC) which operates 911 service for the Twin Cities campus and security infrastructure for the system.

In addition, the AVP/COP coordinates and provides guidance for public safety efforts for all five campuses of the University of Minnesota system. The AVP/Chief of Police plays a critical role in fostering a campus environment where safety is paramount, enabling University community members to achieve their educational, research, and employment goals without fear. This requires a unique approach to policing, one that is philosophically and operationally committed to collaboration, de-escalation, accountability, and a deep passion for community engagement and student success, all while fully supporting the University's distinct educational mission and institutional values.

The UMPD is a fully sworn and POST certified, 24/7 police agency. The AVP/COP is required to respond to immediate and short-term concerns while developing long-range public safety strategies to protect individual rights, preserve the peace, prevent and suppress crime, protect life, property, and campus assets, identify and apprehend criminal offenders, enforce the law, and play a critical role in the University's emergency preparedness and response.

The AVP/COP, working with senior leadership, will shape the direction and future of campus safety with strategic initiatives, innovative programs and services, and data-driven decisions and policies to further enhance the overall campus experiences. The AVP/COP ensures the UMPD is fully integrated into the campus community, supports the mission of the University, and is viewed as a collaborative, supportive resource for campus and the broader surrounding areas.

• Directs the development of DPS's strategic plans, goals, and objectives to align with the University's vision for a safe and secure campus. Manage a consolidated program operating budget of approximately $29 million dollars and leadership responsibility of approximately 150 full‑time staff, including 63 police officers and 33 security officers, as well as 55 student security, and 100 part‑time officers.
• Bring a university-centered mindset that recognizes the distinct role of campus policing, prioritizing collaboration and alignment with institutional values and policies. Emphasize de‑escalation, constructive engagement, accountability, and partnership with University leadership. Be guided by supporting safety in every sense of the word, and the University's unique educational mission.
• Lead the integration of the community and the police, emphasizing community engaged policing for all UMPD personnel. Work in partnership with the University community to sustain a customer‑focused service environment.
• Provide a full range of comprehensive policing services including but not limited to: crime prevention, patrol, protection of life and property, emergency response, criminal investigation, parking and traffic enforcement, pedestrian and vehicular safety, education and training, and safety planning for special events.
• In addition to the sworn staff, oversee the management/monitoring of the digitally monitored and recorded surveillance video and alarms, the 911 Public Safety answering point, the electronic card access to buildings throughout the University system, and the Security Monitor Program.
• Demonstrate a personal commitment within the UMPD to the welfare of the community; maintain high and effective professional, legal and ethical standards, personally and for the organization. Manage the implementation and oversight of the union contracts and work rules, ensuring alignment with University policies and procedures.
• Serv…