University Police Chief
Inside Higher Ed, Newport News, VA, United States
Position Summary
The University Police Chief is responsible for the strategic leadership and direction of the University Police Department, overseeing 36 sworn officers and security personnel. The position ensures compliance with state and federal regulations, fosters a secure campus environment, and partners with students, faculty, staff, and the broader community to support the University’s mission.
Key Responsibilities
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.
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.
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), Campus Violence Prevention Committee (CVPC), and the Campus Review Committee for Sexual Violence (CRC‑SV), to foster trust, transparency, and shared responsibility for safety.
Designated position: may be required to work during emergency closures.
Campus Security Authority: required to report crimes immediately to the University Police for review and investigation.
Responsible employee: authority to redress sexual violence and report related incidents.
Sensitive position requiring a fingerprint‑based criminal background check.
Maintain positive customer service standards within the office/department and with all constituencies.
Promote a safe and healthy work environment by enforcing safety regulations and standards.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Extensive knowledge of modern police principles, practices, and procedures, including patrol, investigations, and crime prevention.
Comprehensive understanding of federal and state laws, regulations, and reporting requirements applicable to higher education.
Working knowledge of Virginia DCJS standards for police certification, training, and compliance.
Familiarity with university organizational structures and shared governance processes.
Understanding of community policing philosophies and their application within a diverse campus community.
Knowledge of best practices in supervision, employee development, and performance management.
Strong leadership, management, and team‑building skills with the ability to motivate and develop personnel in a 24/7/365 operation.
Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, with the ability to present information to campus leaders, external agencies, and the larger community.
Skilled in policy development, strategic planning, and the implementation of data‑informed policing practices.
Competent in financial and resource management, including budget planning and oversight.
Proficient in the use of technology and data systems to support public safety operations and reporting.
Ability to build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community partners.
Capacity to make sound, ethical, and timely decisions under pressure and in complex situations.
Ability to foster trust, transparency, and inclusivity through fair and equitable law enforcement practices.
Required Education and Experience
Master’s degree in a related field, or a Bachelor’s degree with equivalent advanced experience. Certification or eligibility for certification by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services and possession of a valid Virginia driver’s license.
Significant experience in the administration of a comprehensive security program at the federal, state, municipal, or campus police level, including law enforcement techniques, operations, investigations, court procedures, crime prevention, safety, and security. Supervisory experience is required.
Additional Considerations – 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 with a diverse student population.
Experience with Threat Assessment Teams and processes.
Preferred: graduate of an advanced Law Enforcement Executive Development Program such as Command Training School or FBI Academy.
Salary Information
Starting at $135,350, commensurate with education and experience.
EEO Statement
Christopher Newport University, an EO Employer, is fully committed to access and opportunity.
Notice of Non‑Discrimination & Title IX Policy Statement.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
The University Police Chief is responsible for the strategic leadership and direction of the University Police Department, overseeing 36 sworn officers and security personnel. The position ensures compliance with state and federal regulations, fosters a secure campus environment, and partners with students, faculty, staff, and the broader community to support the University’s mission.
Key Responsibilities
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.
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.
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), Campus Violence Prevention Committee (CVPC), and the Campus Review Committee for Sexual Violence (CRC‑SV), to foster trust, transparency, and shared responsibility for safety.
Designated position: may be required to work during emergency closures.
Campus Security Authority: required to report crimes immediately to the University Police for review and investigation.
Responsible employee: authority to redress sexual violence and report related incidents.
Sensitive position requiring a fingerprint‑based criminal background check.
Maintain positive customer service standards within the office/department and with all constituencies.
Promote a safe and healthy work environment by enforcing safety regulations and standards.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Extensive knowledge of modern police principles, practices, and procedures, including patrol, investigations, and crime prevention.
Comprehensive understanding of federal and state laws, regulations, and reporting requirements applicable to higher education.
Working knowledge of Virginia DCJS standards for police certification, training, and compliance.
Familiarity with university organizational structures and shared governance processes.
Understanding of community policing philosophies and their application within a diverse campus community.
Knowledge of best practices in supervision, employee development, and performance management.
Strong leadership, management, and team‑building skills with the ability to motivate and develop personnel in a 24/7/365 operation.
Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, with the ability to present information to campus leaders, external agencies, and the larger community.
Skilled in policy development, strategic planning, and the implementation of data‑informed policing practices.
Competent in financial and resource management, including budget planning and oversight.
Proficient in the use of technology and data systems to support public safety operations and reporting.
Ability to build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community partners.
Capacity to make sound, ethical, and timely decisions under pressure and in complex situations.
Ability to foster trust, transparency, and inclusivity through fair and equitable law enforcement practices.
Required Education and Experience
Master’s degree in a related field, or a Bachelor’s degree with equivalent advanced experience. Certification or eligibility for certification by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services and possession of a valid Virginia driver’s license.
Significant experience in the administration of a comprehensive security program at the federal, state, municipal, or campus police level, including law enforcement techniques, operations, investigations, court procedures, crime prevention, safety, and security. Supervisory experience is required.
Additional Considerations – 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 with a diverse student population.
Experience with Threat Assessment Teams and processes.
Preferred: graduate of an advanced Law Enforcement Executive Development Program such as Command Training School or FBI Academy.
Salary Information
Starting at $135,350, commensurate with education and experience.
EEO Statement
Christopher Newport University, an EO Employer, is fully committed to access and opportunity.
Notice of Non‑Discrimination & Title IX Policy Statement.
#J-18808-Ljbffr