Position Summary

The Deputy Chief of Police plays a vital role in the executive leadership of Vanderbilt University's Public Safety Department. This position is responsible for overseeing law enforcement, protective services, and crime prevention across the university campus and affiliated properties. The Deputy Chief provides strategic and operational leadership to ensure the safety of students, faculty, staff, visitors, and the academic environment.

This role requires a strategic leader who can enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of all Public Safety functions, aligning them with best practices and the University's mission. The Deputy Chief manages interagency coordination with various local, state, and federal law enforcement and emergency response agencies. Reporting directly to the Chief of Police, the Deputy Chief must have advanced knowledge of campus security, emergency preparedness, and interagency collaboration. They exercise sound judgment, uphold high professional standards, and assume command in the Chief's absence.

About The Work Unit

Vanderbilt University Public Safety (VUPS) is led by the Office of the Chief of Police in the Division of Administration. VUPS is a dedicated team of over 400 professionals united by a shared commitment to fostering a safe, secure, and welcoming environment for all in the Vanderbilt community. Organized into several specialized units, our department includes commissioned officers, security professionals, and skilled administrative staff, all working collaboratively to uphold the highest standards of community-based policing. 

Key Functions And Expected Performance

Strategic Leadership and Administration

Oversee the administration, planning, and organization of the Public Safety Department, including police operations, emergency response, executive protection, support services, special operations, and investigations.
Serve as a key advisor to the Chief of Police, contributing to short- and long-term planning, developing KPIs to support departmental goals, and shaping operational strategies for effectiveness and continuous improvement.
Assist in developing rules, regulations, policies, and general orders for the Vanderbilt University Police Department's operations.
Ensure program activities comply with all local, state, and federal laws and regulations.
Lead and manage police and protective operations across campuses and Vanderbilt owned properties, developing and implementing campus safety strategies aligned with the academic mission and institutional priorities.
Contribute to emergency preparedness, disaster response, and active shooter protocols, enforcing policies addressing campus public safety.
Lead the execution of fair and impartial policing initiatives and accountability, and ensure superior service delivery to the community.

Operational Excellence and Compliance

Identify opportunities to enhance efficiency, streamline processes, and elevate service quality across Public Safety units, directing major departmental initiatives related to accreditation, professional standards, and technology integration.
Make decisions regarding emergency conditions not covered by established policies, evaluating operations and service demands to develop plans meeting community needs.
Directs and manages major departmental initiatives related to accreditation, professional standards, and technology integration (e.g., CALEA).

Planning, Budgeting, and Resource Management

Participate in executive management meetings to analyze programs, providing recommendations for equipment maintenance and replacement for effective operations.
Offer strategic planning insights, recommend policy or process changes to enhance operations, and prepare executive-level reports detailing accomplishments, issues, and future plans.

External Relations and Community Engagement

Act as a principal liaison, engaging with faculty, staff, students, and regional public safety resources to foster transparency, collaboration, and partnership.
Collaborate with the Vanderbilt community on law enforcement, security, and public safety issues, aiding in policy development.
Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with city officials, state and federal authorities, civic leaders, and the public.
Assist community members in navigating the criminal justice system and related matters.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Relationships

This position directly supervises Public Safety personnel assigned to Vanderbilt University operations and reports to the Chief of Police.

Education and Certifications

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in a relevant field (e.g., Criminal Justice, Public Administration) is required. However, an equivalent combination of education and directly related experience may be considered.
A master’s Degree from an accredited institution in a related field is highly preferred to reflect the need for executive-level strategic leadership.
Ability to obtain possession of a special police commission from the Chief Law Enforcement official in Metropolitan Nashville within nine (9) months, and maintenance of annual recommissioning is required.
Ability to obtain possession of the requirements for Tennessee P.O.S.T. certification within the first nine (9) months of appointment is required.
Successful completion of an annual department-authorized and POST-approved in-service training course consisting of at least forty (40) hours of instruction is required.
Possession of specialized training, such as the FBI National Academy or the Northwestern University School of Police Staff & Command, or an equivalent high-level command/executive program, is highly preferred.
Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license and a satisfactory driving record.
Possession of no prior criminal convictions that would prohibit the individual from meeting the standards set forth by the State of Tennessee to be a law enforcement officer is required.

Experience And Skills

A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in law enforcement, with at least 5 years at a command or senior executive level is required.
Previous experience managing staff or a department is necessary.
Proven experience providing strategic and operational leadership across diverse public safety functions (police, security, emergency management).
Demonstrated knowledge of current issues and best practices in campus law enforcement, community-oriented policing, and compliance.
Strong organizational, interpersonal, intercultural, communication, and presentation skills are necessary.
Ability to work with a variety of individuals from various socio-economic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds is necessary.
Ability to lead by example to provide effective leadership and maintain harmonious relationships within the department is necessary.
Ability to plan, evaluate, and direct the work of subordinates performing varied operations connected with police activities is necessary.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

Must be able to stand for long periods, walk, climb, and lift. Must meet written departmental standards for appearance and grooming.
Must pass a thorough background investigation and drug test demonstrating good moral character, a good driving record, and no prior criminal convictions that would prohibit certification under the State of Tennessee Private Protective Services Act.
Must be available to work nights, weekends, and holidays, and be willing to work in inclement weather and various weather extremes.
Must be able to use necessary precautionary equipment (e.g., TB mask) and may encounter hazardous materials, infectious disease, blood-borne pathogens, loud noises, and potential physical danger from violent individuals.
Must obtain required immunizations and medical tests to work in patient care and high-risk areas.

Vanderbilt University

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