UC Launches Search for New Chief of Police, Assistant Chief of Police

The University of Cincinnati has launched a national search to fill two key leadership positions within the Department of Public Safety’s police department. The university, seeking to fill the positions of Chief of Police and Assistant Chief of Police, is searching for a diverse pool of highly-qualified candidates that reflects the communities that UC Police (UCPD) serves. The candidates must have a proven track record of developing and implementing organizational change.

“The next leaders of the UCPD will play a crucial role in the development and oversight of a strategy to rebuild trust between UC Police and members of the university and residential communities,” said Robin Engel, vice president for safety and reform. “We are searching for candidates that demonstrate a commitment to evidence-based and community policing who understand the needs of a complex, diverse urban campus.”

The Chief and Assistant Chief positions will work hand-in-hand with the university’s Office of Safety and Reform and the Community Advisory Council (CAC). Both entities were established to provide guidance on UC Police reform efforts following the July 19 officer-involved shooting death of Samuel DuBose.

“The Chief and Assistant Chief will be charged with transforming UCPD and implementing ‘best practice’ organizational changes while also providing a safe and secure environment for students, faculty and staff,” said James L. Whalen, director of public safety. “Their oversight will focus on updates to policies, procedures, training and hiring, recruitment and retention.”

An 11-member search committee, led by UC’s Director of Police Community Relations S. Gregory Baker is spearheading the search for the Chief and Assistant Chief positions.

“Members of the search committee are representative of UC’s many constituents,” said Baker. “Student, faculty and staff representatives along with community and faith leaders are serving as   committee members to ensure all voices and perspectives are included in this important search.”

To access the job descriptions, visit

https://jobs.uc.edu

/. The application review process will begin the end of this month. The positions will remain open until filled.

Following the July 19 death of Samuel Dubose, the university has proactively taken critical steps to reform the UCPD.

In August, UC hired a team of experts to lead safety and reform efforts. That same month an Early Warning System, used to flag patterns of officer behavior for review, such as use of force, was implemented. Additionally, UC Police began using Contact Cards to track the gender and race of all pedestrian and traffic stops. Kroll Inc., one of the nation’s leading investigative firms, completed a comprehensive, independent review in September of all UC Police actions related to the shooting. In October, all UC Police officers received fair and impartial policing training. Additionally, a presentation about the training and the science of bias was held for community members. The university issued a Request for Proposals in November to identify an external team to conduct a top-to-bottom review of the UC Police Department’s policies, procedures and practices. In February, Exiger, a nationally renowned police monitoring firm recognized for constitutional policing expertise, was selected to conduct an extensive review of the UCPD.

For more information about UC’s safety and reform efforts, visit

www.uc.edu-safety/reform

.