Chief of Public Safety in Russellville, Arkansas at Arkansas Tech University (AR)

The Chief of Public Safety serves as the chief law enforcement officer for Arkansas Tech University and provides strategic leadership, administration, and oversight for all public safety operations, including police services, emergency management, crime prevention, Clery Act compliance, physical security initiatives, communications, and parking enforcement. Reporting to the Vice President for Student Affairs within the Division of Student Affairs, the Chief works collaboratively with campus and community partners to promote a safe and secure environment that supports the university's educational mission. Through a commitment to community policing principles, the Chief fosters positive relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community stakeholders while promoting trust, transparency, engagement, and shared responsibility for campus safety. This position is governed by applicable federal and state laws, university policies and procedures, and departmental regulations. This is a full-time, twelve-month, non-tenure-track administrative position.

• Promotes and advances community policing strategies that strengthen relationships between the Department of Public Safety and students, faculty, staff, and community partners.
• Develops and implements strategic goals, objectives, and initiatives that advance the mission of the Department of Public Safety and support the university’s strategic priorities.
• Evaluates campus safety trends and emerging risks to develop proactive strategies that enhance campus safety, security, and emergency preparedness.
• Establishes, reviews, and updates departmental policies and procedures to ensure compliance with applicable laws, accreditation standards, and university policies.
• Directs, supervises, and provides leadership for the operations and activities of the Department of Public Safety including maintenance of department records and ensuring compliance with training requirements.
• Directs and evaluates the operations of sub-department programs and staff assigned to patrol, investigations, traffic, parking, security, and emergency management.
• Develops, administers, and monitors departmental operating budgets and ensures responsible stewardship of university resources.
• Oversees training activities for assigned personnel and communicates standards and practices to assure uniform delivery of services to the campus.
• Leads recruitment and hiring efforts to attract, select, and retain qualified personnel within the Department of Public Safety.
• Oversees institutional compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, including crime statistics reporting, annual security reporting, policy development, training, and coordination with campus stakeholders.
• Oversees the university's emergency management and preparedness program, including the coordination of emergency operations planning, training, and exercises, serves as a key member of the university’s emergency response team, and leads response and recovery efforts during major incidents and campus emergencies.
• Collaborates with university officials and the CARE Team to assess and respond to threats, concerning behaviors, and critical incidents impacting campus safety.
• Promotes employee wellness initiatives that support physical, mental, and emotional well-being while fostering a positive and healthy work environment.
• Keeps abreast of changes in laws, regulations, policies, procedures, and best practices affecting campus law enforcement and public safety operations.
• Oversees the collection, analysis, and reporting of public safety data and assessment measures to evaluate departmental effectiveness, support accreditation and compliance efforts, identify emerging trends, and inform strategic planning initiatives.
• Maintains mutual-aid agreements and collaborative partnerships with neighboring law enforcement and public safety agencies.
• Provides leadership for the department's Arkansas Law Enforcement Accreditation Program (ALEAP) accreditation efforts, ensuring ongoing compliance with accreditation standards and fostering a culture of accountability, professionalism, and continuous improvement.
• Coordinates with university legal counsel and other appropriate university officials to ensure timely and compliant responses to requests made pursuant to the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and other applicable public records laws.
• Represents the Department of Public Safety before university leadership, community groups, and external agencies.
• Serves as a member of the Student Affairs Leadership Team and collaborates with division leaders to advance strategic initiatives, promote student success, and support the vision and mission of the Division of Student Affairs.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Certified as a law enforcement officer in accordance with Arkansas Code § 12-9-106 or eligible to obtain Arkansas certification within a timeframe established by the university and applicable law.
• Bachelor's degree in criminal justice, public or business administration, emergency management, or a related field.
• Seven years of progressively responsible law enforcement experience.
• Three years of supervisory experience.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in criminal justice, public or business administration, higher education administration, emergency management, or a related field.
• Ten years of progressively responsible law enforcement experience.
• Five years of supervisory or command-level leadership experience.
• Experience in a college or university law enforcement environment.
• Experience with Clery Act compliance and campus security reporting.
• Experience overseeing emergency management, threat assessment, and crisis response programs.
• Successful completion of an advanced law enforcement leadership, command, or executive development program.

• Must be available to respond to campus emergencies, critical incidents, and crisis situations at any time and may be required to work evenings, weekends, and other non-traditional hours to fulfill the responsibilities of the position.
• Must be able to perform the physical requirements associated with a certified law enforcement officer, including passing the department’s PAT course, and respond to emergency situations in a variety of indoor and outdoor environments.