Chief of Police (POLICE CHF MGR 4)

The Chief of Police (Chief) serves as the chief law enforcement and public safety executive for the University of California, Davis (UC Davis) and provides strategic leadership, direction, and oversight for all police and public safety operations.

The Chief is responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive campus public safety program that supports the University's academic, research, residential, healthcare, and administrative missions while promoting a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment for students, faculty, staff, visitors, and the broader university community.

Reporting to the Vice Chancellor, Finance, Operations and Administration (FOA) the Chief establishes the vision, priorities, policies, and operational strategies for the UC Davis Police Department. The Chief advises UC Davis executive leadership, including the Chancellor and UC Davis Health executives.

The position exercises broad authority and accountability for department operations, personnel, fiscal resources, emergency preparedness, crime prevention, investigations, police services, and strategic partnerships with internal and external stakeholders.

The Chief balances the University's educational mission and values with the responsibilities of a sworn law enforcement agency, exercising sound judgment in complex and often highly visible situations. The position also requires exceptional leadership, integrity, discretion, communication skills, and the ability to build trust across a diverse university community.

Apply By Date

Sunday, November 1, 2026 at 11:59p PST; screening and selection can begin anytime.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be 21 years or older and a U.S. citizen.
• Must possess a current California POST Management Certificate issued by the Commission on Peace Officers' Standards and Training, or ability to obtain this certificate within one year of appointment for out-of-state candidates.
• Must posses a Class C California Drivers License or the ability to secure the same license quickly after hire. Must enroll in the California Employer Pull Notice Program.
• Bachelor's Degree in criminal justice, public or business administration, or similar discipline.
• Achieved the rank of Captain or above, required.
• Command level experience in leading and managing a law enforcement workforce.
• Knowledge of criminal justice system with emphasis on the role of law enforcement as it relates to other agencies within the system, particularly prosecutors and the courts.
• Knowledge of current police methods and procedures, including apprehension and arrest, criminal investigations, collection and presentation of evidence, and police record keeping.
• Knowledge of police operating rules and regulations. Working knowledge of Peace Officers Bill of Rights (POBR). Knowledge of pertinent case law.
• Skills to understand and interpret the rules and regulations of the Police Department, pertinent University and City ordinances and regulations, State and Federal laws and court decisions.
• Oral and written communication skills to develop written narratives, reports, memoranda, correspondence, department policies, procedures and related material and convey them to a diverse community.
• Decision making skills to conduct both routine and complex tasks that require knowledge of law, case law and personnel.
• Organizational skills to achieve timely progress on multiple simultaneous complex projects, distribute effort appropriately among the projects, meet deadlines and maintain a high level of productivity.
• Skills to use police equipment and law enforcement technology, including computer hardware and software, vehicles, firearms, and non-lethal weapons.
• Knowledge to assess performance and communications skills to provide accurate and timely feedback, resolve problems/conflicts, and build effective team environment.
• Skills to develop logical plans, evaluating alternatives and anticipating risks, obstacles, and likely consequences.
• Skills to assess, prioritize, organize and direct others in major event planning or incident response.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's Degree preferred
• Attendance at an advanced law enforcement executive leadership program, such as the FBI National Academy or the Senior Management Institute for Police preferred
• Command-level experience leading and managing a large and complex law enforcement workforce at a multi-site organization, ideally at a university and/or medical center, or similarly complex organization.

Key Responsibilities

Police Operations And Administration (50%)

• Leads two full-service, 24/7/365 police operations on the Davis and Sacramento campuses of significant size and scale. Administers satellite security operations on both campuses for specialized and high-risk areas. Facilitates public safety services for numerous outlying research facilities and clinics.
• Serves as overall commander during an emergency where law enforcement is the lead agency, such as during credible threats, civil unrest, major crimes, and active assailants. Leads the rapid response and deploys appropriate resources during a threat or incident.
• Oversees activities for the safety and protection of controversial speakers, foreign dignitaries, US politicians, and UC officials when they visit UC Davis.
• Oversees patrols of campuses and deploys proactive measures to mitigate crime. Leads the 911 Dispatch and Security Operations Center, a centralized hub serving both the Davis and Sacramento campuses for emergency dispatch and physical-security monitoring during an incident.
• Communicates to the UC Davis community, such as through WarnMe and Aggie Alert, as required by federal law or as deemed necessary to alert and keep the UC Davis community aware of public safety concerns. Communicates highly sensitive matters with empathy to impacted individuals and groups.
• Manages recruitment efforts for both sworn and non-sworn UCDPD staff. Recruits a workforce that is reflective of UC Davis's diverse community. Manages and mentors UCDPD staff, leading the team through change and growth. Works through employee & labor relations situations, including working with police and other UC unions. Ensures UCDPD training is contemporary and meets or exceeds California POST and ICLEA accreditation standards. Improves department morale by measuring engagement and developing action plans to improve engagement.
• Reviews investigation reports issued by the UC Davis Police Accountability Board (PAB) and incorporates their recommendations into training, policies, and operations. The PAB is an independent civilian board of students, faculty and staff that investigate complaints against UC Davis police officers or security personnel and makesrecommendations to the Chief that promote accountability, transparency, and trust. With support from budget and finance experts, manages an annual operating budget and allocates financial resources within UCDPD. Accepts fiduciary responsibility for complying with university policy, such as in the procurement of services, equipment, and goods. Stewards all university resources entrusted to UCDPD, including weapons, equipment, fleet, and other physical assets.
• Establish department's strategy goals and objectives. Provides guidance to UCDPD's management team to drive decisions and actions are consistent with organizational goals. Establishes effective measures for
• organizational achievement. Sets high standards and supports continuous improvement.
• Serves as a highly visible university leader who is viewed by stakeholders across both campuses as an approachable, respected, and collaborative subject-matter expert. Continually strives to more effectively engage with the UC Davis's diverse community, such as through various outreach efforts.
• Advises UC Davis executive leadership on public safety matters, including the Chancellor and health system executives. Keeps senior leadership informed of major incidents and threats. Builds strong relations with divisional leaders across both campuses.
• Partners with multiple departments at UC Davis that also have safety responsibilities (Fire, EH&S, Fire Marshal, Transportation, Emergency Management, Risk Management) to prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies. Participates as an active member of the Emergency Operations Center, serving as incident commander when law enforcement is the lead agency.
• Advances public safety across the UC system by collaborating with other UC police chiefs and UCOP on UC systemwide policies and practices. Participates on UC systemwide committees regarding public safety
• matters.
• Collaborates with surrounding local, state and federal law enforcement agencies in the region as well as with other UC and CSU campuses with respect to mutual aid agreements and other professional commitments. Develops and maintains working relationships with all segments of the criminal justice system including, but not limited to, the Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Office of the District Attorney, courts at all levels, and probation offices.
• Develops a range of university standards and policies so that UC Davis operates with consistency, according to best practices, and with clarity about roles and responsibilities.
• Works closely with the privacy office to ensure proper use and retention of sensitive data.
• Leads the planning, procurement and implementation of campus wide security projects.
• Secures physical assets at both campuses, such as through video cameras, access systems, Blue Lights, etc. Uses technological solutions to improve physical security and the efficient and effective delivery of services.
• Conducts security assessments for large / high-profile events. In partnership with Human Resources, dedicates UCDPD resources to conduct timely threat assessments, including workplace violence.
• Collaborates with Design and Construction Management and Facilities Management at all sites to develop security designs and recommendations for new and renovated space, including but not limited to, hospitals, clinics, research facilities, housing, classrooms, and office space.
• Actively engages with students via internships, part-time work, such as through the Aggie Host program. Prepares interested students, staff and community members for future work in law enforcement though multiple UCDPD programs, including the Cadet Program.

Leadership, Partnerships, Planning And Physical Security (50%)

• Serves as a highly visible university leader who is viewed by stakeholders across both campuses as an approachable, respected, and collaborative subject-matter expert. Continually strives to more effectively engage with the UC Davis's diverse community, such as through various outreach efforts.
• Advises UC Davis executive leadership on public safety matters, including the Chancellor and health system executives. Keeps senior leadership informed of major incidents and threats. Builds strong relations with divisional leaders across both campuses.
• Partners with multiple departments at UC Davis that also have safety responsibilities (Fire, EH&S, Fire Marshal, Transportation, Emergency Management, Risk Management) to prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies. Participates as an active member of the Emergency Operations Center, serving as incident commander when law enforcement is the lead agency.
• Advances public safety across the UC system by collaborating with other UC police chiefs and UCOP on UC systemwide policies and practices. Participates on UC systemwide committees regarding public safety
• matters.
• Collaborates with surrounding local, state and federal law enforcement agencies in the region as well as with other UC and CSU campuses with respect to mutual aid agreements and other professional commitments. Develops and maintains working relationships with all segments of the criminal justice system including, but not limited to, the Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Office of the District Attorney, courts at all levels, and probation offices.
• Develops a range of university standards and policies so that UC Davis operates with consistency, according to best practices, and with clarity about roles and responsibilities.
• Works closely with the privacy office to ensure proper use and retention of sensitive data.
• Leads the planning, procurement and implementation of campus wide security projects.
• Secures physical assets at both campuses, such as through video cameras, access systems, Blue Lights, etc. Uses technological solutions to improve physical security and the efficient and effective delivery of services.
• Conducts security assessments for large / high-profile events. In partnership with Human Resources, dedicates UCDPD resources to conduct timely threat assessments, including workplace violence.
• Collaborates with Design and Construction Management and Facilities Management at all sites to develop security designs and recommendations for new and renovated space, including but not limitedto, hospitals, clinics, research facilities, housing, classrooms, and office space.
• Actively engages with students via internships, part-time work, such as through the Aggie Host program. Prepares interested students, staff and community members for future work in law enforcement though multiple UCDPD programs, including the Cadet Program.

Department Overview

Across its locations, UC Davis enrolls approximately 39,500 students and employs approximately 33,500 faculty and staff. The Davis campus welcomes more than 1 million visitors annually, with significant increases in visitor counts during major events such as Picnic Day, Aggie Day and athletic competitions. Approximately 1.2 million patient visits UC Davis hospitals and clinics each year, primarily on the Sacramento campus but also at a growing number of regional clinics. In terms of geographic area, UC Davis is the largest UC campus, with 5,300 acres on the Davis campus, 150 acres on the Sacramento campus, and additional acres in outlying areas.

UCDPD's mission is to enhance the safety and quality of life of students, faculty, staff, patients and visitors. UCDPD earned initial accreditation from IACLEA in 2021, with a reaccreditation in 2025 that reaffirmed UCDPD's sustained commitment to professional excellence, accountability and community service.

A highly complex university, UC Davis is home to several unique programs that require specialized public safety attention, including, but not limited to, the National Biomedical Research Institute on the Davis campus as well as animal and veterinary care facilities across all sites. The Medical Center in Sacramento is a level 1 trauma center and receives over 100,000 emergency department visits each year, including visits from the most vulnerable children and adult populations. The Chief takes a leadership role in coordinating public safety for multiple satellite research sites, including, but not limited to, Tulare, Lake Tahoe, Bodega Bay and greater Sacramento and a growing number of clinical sites in the region, including Rocklin, Folsom, Placer, and San Diego (veterinary clinic).

UCDPD programs and services include:

• 24/7/365 security operations center servicing both Davis and Sacramento with rapid response sworn peace officers
• Community Outreach and Engagement Officer (CORE) program operated by sworn peace officers
• K-9 services, including a patrol and explosives-detection dog and multiple therapy and comfort dogs as part of the CORE program
• Protective services and security patrols
• Criminal investigations and crime reporting
• Building security and access control / card systems; cameras and alarm systems, and emergency call box program
• Security assessments for events and programs
• Aggie Host student security program to help with crowd and event management
• Traffic control and traffic accident investigations
• Safe Ride transportation and wheelchair-accessible VIP Mobility service
• Welfare checks
• Crime prevention, safety education and community outreach
• Police records
• Live Scan fingerprinting and background checks
• Lost and Found
• Police Cadet, Community Academy and ride-along programs
  

UCDPD is a leader in innovative public safety. Its tiered-response model matches each call with the most appropriate responder, including non-law enforcement resources; its pioneering drone program enhances situational awareness; and its state-of-the-art 911 Dispatch and Security Operations Center expedites camera monitoring during incidents, remote building security access, and incident response.

As of FY 2026/27, UCDPD (all sites together) is comprised of approximately 50 sworn personnel, 36 professional and administrative staff, 100 Protective Service Officers/Specialists/Supervisors, and 100 student workers in Aggie Host/Safe Rides. In terms of physical assets, UCDPD includes a fleet of approximately 46 vehicles. UCDPD's annual operating budget is approximately $46 million.

Position Information

• Full Salary Grade Range: $190,900.00 - $392,100.00
• Salary Frequency: Annual, paid monthly
• Salary Grade: Grade 30
• UC Job Title: POLICE CHF MGR 4
• UC Job Code: 005645
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Staff: Career
• Percentage of Time: 100
• Shift (Work Schedule): TBD, can be irregular
• Location: Fire & Police (FIRE&POLIC)
• Union Representation: 99 - Non-Represented (PPSM)
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• This position is 100% on-site

Benefits

Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility by visiting UCnet Benefits Page or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees.

• High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
• UC pays for dental and vision coverage for you and your family
• Retirement plans for eligible employees including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans
• Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance, legal coverage, accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity
• Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave, Adoption Assistance and Pay for Family Care and Bonding for eligible employees
• Lactation Support Program and Family Care discounts and resources
• Employee Well-being resources and programming to support thriving in all aspects of employee's lives
• On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
• Generous amount of paid Holidays annually as outlined in the UC Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreements
• Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as outlined in the UC Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreements
• Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Staff Education Reimbursement Program for eligible employees
• Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Qualified Employer and Student Loan Debt Counseling Program for eligible employees

Physical Demands

• Standing - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Walking - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Sitting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 26-50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying over 50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 26-50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling over 50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Bending/Stooping - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Squatting/Kneeling - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Twisting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Climbing (e.g., stairs or ladders) - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Occasional Up to 3 Hours

Environmental Demands

• Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Loud noise levels - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Marked changes in humidity or temperature - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Extreme Temperatures - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Uneven Surfaces or Elevations - Occasional Up to 3 Hours

Mental Demands

• Sustained attention and concentration - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Complex problem solving/reasoning - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Ability to organize & prioritize - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Communication skills - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Numerical skills - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Constant Interaction - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Customer/Patient Contact - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Occasional Up to 3 Hours

Work Environment

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.

External candidates and internal candidates from other UC campuses must pass extensive background investigation, including criminal history and identity check and have no felony convictions pursuant to Government Code Section 1029.Participate in the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Pull Program. Must pass comprehensive medical and psychological pre-placement examinations as established by the University and by State law for Police Officers. Employee personally responsible for following safety guidelines/procedures. Availability to work on-call. Work alternative work schedules and may be assigned to work overtime with little or no notice. Required to work on weekends as on-call administrator and respond to emergencies or major accidents during this time.

Special Requirements

• This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment
• This position is designated as a mandated reporter under CANRA and UC policy, and employment is contingent on compliance with applicable policies, procedures and training requirements

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging

At UC Davis, we're committed to solving life's most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together.

As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

To view the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role-or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere

To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks

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