With the upcoming retirement of University Police Chief Michael Sheffield, the University has assembled an eclectic group of faculty, students and administrators to head up a search committee for a new chief.
Sheffield plans to retire Jan. 1.
The University will choose the new chief from a broad candidate pool including men, women and minorities, looking for an individual who provides leadership, strategic planning and administrative direction.
"We are looking for a proven police professional of absolute integrity who exhibits sound leadership qualities and a commitment to service," said Leonard W. Sandridge, University executive vice president and chief operating officer. Sandridge selected the committee members.
Composed of 11 specially invited University community members, the committee is still in its preliminary phase, with its first meeting scheduled for the end of October.
|
In addition to reviewing and later nominating a prospective chief, the committee hopes to create a positive working relationship with prospectives before the candidate actually arrives, said Dean of Students and committee member Penny Rue.
Rue emphasized a necessity for the new chief to be understanding of the special nature of the University community and added "he must be sensitive to student lifestyles and needs."
University spokeswoman and committee member Louise Dudley said she would look for a strong level of communication skills, as the chief must work with fellow officers, administrators, faculty and students.
With several University groups represented, from Facilities Management to medical care providers to the athletic department, Sandridge said the University wanted people who would bring different perspectives to the selection process.
In addition, Sandridge said he places heavy importance of student input in the hiring decision.
"It's important for students to see leadership in the University Police Department because they do protect us, so it's necessary for [the police] to keep students in mind," fourth-year College student and committee member Letty Lau said.
While members will work in cooperation - not competition - for the common benefit of the University, specific groups will have their voices and concerns heard.
"Our main goal is to have good representation for the medical center under the umbrella of the University of Virginia Police Department," said committee member Jennifer Thomas from the University Medical Center pediatric division.
Although committee members said they are excited to be a part of the hiring process, they have a high regard for Sheffield, who has been part of the University Police Department for 24 years, Dudley said.
"We've been very fortunate to have a top-quality chief and it will be difficult to replace him," Committee Vice Chairman and Commerce professor Bill Wilkerson said.
Read More
MLK III to focus on youth participation in politics as professor of practice
By Ford McCracken | 6 hours agoRestrictive voting laws are only one problem with voting today, according to King — the other is voter apathy. King even called the level of voter participation in U.S. elections “abysmal.”
New School of Data Science building opens with remarks and ceremony
By Cecilia Mould | YesterdayThe four-story, 61,000 square-foot building includes four classrooms and two seminar rooms, as well as a two-story central hub for hosting events.
Democratic Futures Project fellow Félix Maradiaga announces campaign to end arbitrary detention
By Caroline Hagood | YesterdayA public website for the campaign launched Friday, which Maradiaga says is the first step towards raising awareness.
