Chief of Police

Reporting to the Senior Vice President for Business Operations and Finance (SVP BO/F), the Chief of Police serves as the chief law enforcement officer of Hampton University with responsibility for protecting life and property, preserving peace, maintaining order, and directing the enforcement of all federal, state, and local laws within the University's jurisdiction — including on- and off-campus property. The Chief develops strategic goals and objectives for the Hampton University Police Department (HUPD), positioning it as a responsive, community-centered department recognized for its commitment to the safety and well-being of the University's vibrant and diverse community.

The Chief of Police provides direction and guidance in alignment with departmental and University mission and values, serving as the framework by which all security activities, patrol operations, investigations, emergency communications, and event management are planned, organized, and executed. The Chief develops and implements policies and procedures to ensure the health, safety, and security of students, faculty, staff, and visitors. Working closely with senior executives, academic administrators, and Deans, the Chief provides leadership and expertise in the formation, development, and implementation of a comprehensive public safety program in support of the University's educational goals and strategic objectives.

The Chief of Police has overall responsibility for budget administration, human resource planning, development, and management, and priority-setting for campus security — including short- and long-range emergency plans. The Chief oversees the Emergency Communications Division (ECD), directs compliance with all applicable federal and state reporting requirements, and represents the University before external law enforcement agencies, governmental bodies, and professional organizations.

Leadership & Management

• Provide visionary executive leadership and strategic direction for all HUPD operations, including patrol, investigations, emergency communications, physical security, and administrative functions.
• Hire, train, supervise, and develop sworn police officers, Public Safety Officers/Security Guards, Emergency Communications personnel, and administrative staff.
• Ensure that all personnel receive regular in-service training and professional development to maintain high standards of service, legal compliance, and effectiveness.
• Develop, implement, and update University-wide and departmental policies, procedures, and general orders consistent with best practices in campus law enforcement.
• Review all police reports and periodically review body-worn camera footage to ensure compliance with applicable law and University policy.
• Administer the departmental budget, including preparation, monitoring, procurement oversight, grant compliance, and fiscal accountability to the SVP BO/F.
• Develop and execute operational plans for large internal and external events on campus, including security, traffic management, and parking.
• Oversee the Emergency Communications Division (ECD), ensuring 24/7 dispatch readiness and compliance with applicable communications and emergency notification standards.
• Serve as a senior institutional administrator; participate in University leadership forums and strategic planning processes.

Law Enforcement, Crime Prevention, Safety & Security

• Enforce state and federal laws and regulations as well as University policies within the University's jurisdiction.
• Supervise the completion of criminal investigations and investigations of student and employee conduct matters — coordinating and collaborating as needed with Human Resources, the Title IX Coordinator, and the Office of Residence Life — including evidence collection and report writing.
• Maintain all departmental equipment, including vehicles, weapons, and body-worn cameras.
• Conduct periodic inspections of buildings and grounds to identify potential safety hazards and recommend corrective action.
• Maintain and foster positive relationships with students and employees to support a safe, inclusive campus environment.
• Conduct or coordinate training programs for students and employees to heighten awareness of personal safety risks.
• Maintain positive, collaborative relationships with local, county, state, and federal law enforcement agencies and first responders.
• Maintain statistics required by the Clery Act; submit or coordinate submission of statistics to the U.S. Department of Education; and prepare and distribute the Annual Security Report.
• Complete monthly Uniform Crime Reporting submissions and all other statistical reporting and database submissions required by law.
• Oversee the administration of the University's parking program, including coordination of passes, visitor permitting, and processing of parking fines.

Emergency Management

• Administer the Pirate Notification System (Everbridge/PNS), sending timely alerts to the campus community in the event of threats to safety or security, weather delays or closures, and other urgent matters.
• Issue Timely Warning notices as required by the Clery Act to alert the campus community to active and ongoing threats.
• Serve as Incident Commander for any incident threatening the safety, security, or continuity of University operations; coordinate the efforts of HUPD, responding external agencies, and University leadership.
• Oversee the development, revision, and testing of the University's Emergency Management Plans in alignment with FEMA, REMS IHE, and other applicable frameworks.
• Conduct periodic scenario-planning and tabletop exercises with HUPD personnel and external law enforcement and emergency services partners.
• Perform all other duties as assigned by the Senior Vice President for Business Operations and Finance.

• Thorough knowledge of state and federal laws and regulations applicable to law enforcement and campus safety.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively with students, employees, external agencies, and the public.
• Knowledge of university and community-based policing procedures, strategies, and policies.
• Demonstrated ability to motivate and lead an active campus safety and security department and supervise sworn and civilian personnel.
• Ability to conduct administrative and criminal investigations of a complex nature requiring interaction with members of the University community and local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.
• Knowledge of disciplinary and compliance systems including Title IX, Student Conduct, Residence Life, and related frameworks.
• Familiarity with HBCU institutional culture and a demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, and community-centered policing.
• Knowledge of emergency management principles, including NIMS/ICS, and experience with emergency notification systems.

Physical Demands

Environment

• Work is performed primarily in a non-traditional work environment with frequent staff contact and interruptions.
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule including nights, weekends, and holidays, and remain accessible by phone or email as required.

Physical

• Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in a non-traditional setting; to remain stationary for prolonged periods; to traverse campus property; to transport or move moderate amounts of weight (up to 50 pounds); and to operate required equipment.
• May be required to travel to other locations using various modes of transportation.
• May be exposed to hazardous conditions including extreme heat, extreme cold, infectious disease, moving vehicles, and similar workplace hazards.