The search for a new chief of the University of Tennessee Police Department has begun, and a search committee has been named.
Assistant Chief Debbie Perry has been serving as interim chief since August Washington stepped down in July to become the chief of police and assistant vice chancellor for Vanderbilt University.
The committee, chaired by Associate Vice Chancellor of Research Greg Reed, includes Sterling Owen, chief of the Knoxville Police Department; Maxine Thompson Davis, dean of students; Brian Browning, business manager for the senior associate vice chancellor for finance and administration; Dwight Aarons, associate professor in the College of Law; Meshia Thomas, lieutenant with UTPD; and Jason Nixon, a UT student.
The chief of police is responsible for strategic planning and the overall management of the police department and central alarm office. UTPD has 79 full-time staff, along with several community service officers and other temporary guards.
Interested applicants should be certified, licensed police officers possessing the following qualifications:
- An earned bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university;
- Outstanding communication, mediation and interpersonal skills;
- Demonstrated commitment to the values of cultural and ethnic diversity;
- Extensive knowledge of law enforcement operations and the criminal justice system;
- Minimum of eight years of management experience in a law enforcement department.
In addition, it is preferred that applicants have management experience in a higher education police department and have prior experience in coordinating and managing large-scale special events.
Advertisements for the position have run nationally. A review of applications will begin April 1, and applications will be accepted until the position is filled. For more information about applying, visit http://hotjobs.yahoo.com/job-JK23JXB0I1Q?partner=knxnewssentinel.