Director of Public Safety/Chief of Campus Police

About This Role

This role involves leading and evaluating all Department of Public Safety activities at Bowie State University, serving as the highest-ranking officer of campus police, and advising the University on safety, security, law enforcement, and emergency preparedness.

Responsibilities

• Proactively plan, organize, direct, and evaluate all Department of Public Safety activities, integrating risk assessment, data analysis, and best practices to prevent incidents and enhance campus well-being, while ensuring compliance with all laws, ordinances, and University policies.
• Lead and sustain the University’s compliance with the Clery Act through ongoing review, training, and process improvement.
• Oversee responses to internal and external audits, minimizing compliance risks, preparing for audit reviews, and developing and implementing corrective action plans.
• Develop, implement, and continuously improve campus safety policies and procedures to anticipate evolving threats and meet the unique needs of the university community.
• Oversee and manage the Department of Public Safety operating budget to align resources with strategic safety priorities and long-term planning goals.
• Ensure the protection and well-being of students, faculty, staff, visitors, service providers, and University property through preventive strategies and responsive services.
• Provide uniform security and police patrol services 24/7 with an emphasis on visibility, relationship-building, and deterrence.
• Lead safety and security planning for high-profile university events such as Homecoming, Commencement, athletic contests, and visiting dignitaries.
• Direct and participate as needed in investigations, crime prevention, community relations, and special events, with a focus on proactive risk mitigation.
• Build and sustain collaborative relationships with local, county, state, and federal law enforcement and emergency services to enhance coordinated preparedness and response.

Requirements

• Considerable knowledge of university rules, regulations, and modern campus policing practices.
• Strong understanding of community-oriented policing and prevention-focused public safety strategies.
• Familiarity with the campus layout, surrounding community, and unique risks within a higher education environment.
• Skill in strategic planning, policy design, and implementation of proactive safety initiatives.
• Ability to anticipate and respond to emerging safety and security trends in higher education.
• Skill in the use of firearms and approved methods of apprehension and self-defense.
• Ability to lead, supervise, and evaluate personnel with an emphasis on professional growth, accountability, and succession planning.
• Ability to manage crises effectively while maintaining clear communication and composure.
• Ability to prepare accurate reports of investigations, safety assessments, and departmental performance.
• Ability to foster trust and maintain effective relationships with diverse campus and community populations.
• Successful completion of a standard state-recognized high school course and successful completion of advanced courses and seminars in various phases of police work.
• Demonstrated leadership in all phases of law enforcement work, preferably in a campus or community-oriented policing environment; or an equivalent combination of training and experience
• Must have a minimum of 10 years of Law Enforcement experience and 5 years of Law Enforcement command experience
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
• Must be qualified in the use of firearms and any other specialized equipment deemed necessary

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
• 10 years of Law Enforcement experience and 5 years of Law Enforcement command experience

Nice to Have

• Master's degree from an accredited college or university
• Experience in strategic planning, policy development, and proactive community engagement

Skills

* Required skills

Benefits