Deputy Chief Of Police

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.

Essential Functions:

• 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.

• 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).

Requirements:

• 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.