After several months, the University still is looking for a successor to Police Chief Mike Sheffield. Sheffield, who had planned to retire Jan. 1, will continue to serve as acting chief until a replacement is found.
Leonard W. Sandridge Jr., University executive vice president and chief operating officer, selected faculty, students and administrators to serve on a search committee in October.
Because the committee has been "thorough and doing a good job in its search," the selection process has taken longer than expected, said Letty Lau, a fourth-year College student who is on the committee.
The hiring process is now in its final stages of the interview and selection process. Sandridge said he may have a final decision in the next few weeks.
After interviewing students in addition to different constituents from Charlottesville and Albemarle County, committee members determined the necessary qualifications for the new police chief, said Pat Lampkin, associate vice president for student affairs and the committee chair.
After receiving over 80 applications, the committee conducted background searches and interviews before handing a final list of recommended candidates to Sandridge.
The search committee was looking for candidates who have college or university experience, a bachelor's degree, and strong leadership and communication skills, Lampkin said.
Committee members wanted a candidate "not only experienced in law enforcement, but law enforcement in higher education," said Louise Dudley, University relations director and a committee member.
The new chief also must be knowledgeable and sensitive to college-specific issues, such as potential problems with graduation and large events all while overseeing more than 18,400 students and 11,000 faculty and staff members in addition to the University medical center. The police chief also directs security for athletic events and visits by distinguished speakers.
Working on a university or college campus "takes on a whole different level of expertise," Lampkin added.
Committee members spoke highly of Sheffield, who has been part of the University Police Department for 24 years.
"The candidates were being measured with high standards that Chief Sheffield left us, so we wanted to make sure we are bringing someone in who can fill those shoes," Lau said.
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