University Police Chief

Sensitive Position A sensitive position requires a fingerprint-based criminal history check. Chief Objective The University Police Chief is tasked with strategic leadership and direction of the University Police Department, overseeing all law enforcement and public safety functions. The position oversees a department of 36 sworn officers and security personnel, ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations, fostering a secure and inclusive campus environment, and building collaborative partnerships with the student body, faculty, staff, and wider community. The Chief’s work supports the University’s mission and core values. Responsibilities Provide leadership and oversight for the 24/7/365 police department. Recruit, hire, train, and evaluate departmental staff, fostering a culture of accountability, professionalism, and service. Oversee 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 the preparation, accuracy, and timely submission of mandated reports, including the Annual Security Report and crime statistics reporting. Manage the departmental budget and resources to ensure fiscal responsibility. Direct uniformed patrol, security, investigations, crime‑prevention initiatives, and operation of the 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 law‑enforcement techniques, safety, legal compliance, and de‑escalation practices. Promote a respectful, equitable, and trauma‑informed approach to interactions with diverse populations. Ensure department readiness with equipment, communication systems, and operational protocols. Develop and promote community‑policing initiatives, crime‑prevention education, and outreach programs. Serve as a visible and accessible representative to students, faculty, staff, visitors, and neighbors. Build and maintain collaborative relationships with campus stakeholders and external law‑enforcement agencies at local, regional, state, and federal levels. Participate in campus and community forums, including threat‑assessment and campus‑violence prevention committees, to foster trust and shared responsibility for safety. Act as a “designated position” and Campus Security Authority, with duties to report crimes and coordinate during emergency closing events. Maintain a customer‑service oriented culture within the department and across all constituencies. Promote a safe and healthy work environment, ensuring safety regulations, training, and incident reporting procedures are followed. Perform other duties as assigned. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Extensive knowledge of modern police principles and practices, 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 in a diverse campus community. Proficiency in supervision, employee development, and performance management. Excellent communication skills, both oral and written. Skilled in policy development, strategic planning, and data‑informed policing practices. Competent in financial and resource management, including budget planning and oversight. Proficient in technology and data systems to support public‑safety operations and reporting. Strong leadership, management, and team‑building skills. Ability to build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community partners. Ability to make sound, ethical, and timely decisions under pressure. Ability to foster trust, transparency, and inclusivity through fair and equitable law‑enforcement practices. Required Education Master’s degree in a related field or a Bachelor’s degree with experience that equates to an advanced degree. Certification or eligibility for certification by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services and possession of a valid Virginia driver’s license. Experience Significant experience in the administration of a comprehensive security program at the federal, state, municipal, or campus police level, including law‑enforcement techniques, procedures, operations, investigations, court procedures, crime‑prevention, safety, and security. Supervisory experience required. Additional consideration – experience: Progressive policing experience in a college or university setting. Experience with financial data and managing an operating budget. Experience working with sexual assault and trauma victims and with a diverse student population. Experience with threat‑assessment teams and related processes. Preference for graduate of an advanced Law Enforcement Executive Development Program such as Command Training School or FBI Academy. Salary Starting at $135,350, commensurate with education and experience. Telework Eligibility No. EEO/Non‑Discrimination Statement Christopher Newport University, an EO Employer, is fully committed to access and opportunity. #J-18808-Ljbffr