Chief of Police - University of Pennsylvania Police Department

University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn's distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America's Best Large Employers in 2023.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.

Posted Job Title

Chief of Police - University of Pennsylvania Police Department

Job Profile Title

Chief of Police

Job Description Summary

Reporting to the Vice President for Public Safety, the Chief of police is responsible for the operations of the University of Pennsylvania Police Department (UPPD), which provides law enforcement, crime prevention, and education services related to safety and security on and off-campus. The Chief provides leadership and supervision to 121 sworn MPO certified officers. The Chief will interact daily with students, faculty, staff, administrators, parents, law enforcement agencies and neighborhood leaders in the Philadelphia region, as the division continues to develop the next stage of its well-developed, highly awarded comprehensive, community-based public safety program.

This position is categorized as essential personnel and serves on-call (24 hours / 7 days) to respond for emergencies as well as receive emergency / urgent notifications.

Job Description

Reporting to the Vice President for Public Safety, the Chief of Police works collaboratively with other Senior Division of Public Safety (DPS) leaders on organizational initiatives, goals and strategic planning. This role is one of eight Directors for the eight departments within Public Safety, the University of Pennsylvania Police Department is vital to the safety, security and success of the Penn and the West Philadelphia community.

The Chief of Police acts as Director of Police Operations of the University of Pennsylvania Police Department (UPPD), a proud CALEA-accredited law enforcement agency since 2001. The Chief will plan and manage all functions and operations of the Police Department in the enforcement of laws and University regulations, crime prevention, and response. UPPD uses traditional and progressive law enforcement activities, including uniform patrol, criminal investigations, event management, emergency preparedness and response, medical and mental health response, community engagement, and related duties. Work involves organizing and directing the activities of the Police Department's major functions including Staff & Administrative Services, Patrol Operations, Investigations, and Tactical & Emergency Readiness in a vibrant community located in West Philadelphia. The Chief directs strategyfor patrolling our of 2.5 square mile patrol zone, including crime prevention and investigations, traffic control, response and support for first amendment activities, and enforcement of statu t es and University policies.

The Police Chief reports to and consults with the Vice President for Public Safety in determining plans and policies to be observed in police operations. At the direction of the Vice President, the Chief plans and directs the implementation of the department's short- and long-term goals, objectives and strategies. The position oversees work of three (3) direct reports ensuring proper distribution of assignments and adequate staffing, space and equipment for performance of their duties and those of their personnel. The Chief directs various personnel functions including, but not limited to, hiring, promotions, transfers, training and paid time off, as well as budget, control expenditures of departmental appropriations, and establishes operational standards for the department. The Chief provides operational reports and analyses setting forth progress, adverse trends and appropriate recommendations or conclusions to the Vice President.

The Chief will maintain effective relationships with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies as well as University City partners. (i.e., Philadelphia Police Department, Pennsylvania State Police, Amtrak Police, FBI, Drexel Police, etc.). This will include presentations to members of the University and local community on safety and security initiatives, while also building upon the trust between DPS and the varied and diverse Penn and West Philadelphia community.

The Chief oversees a robust training program to provide relevant information and techniques for professional and community standards. The Chief is responsible for maintaining professional discipline in the department and adherence to appropriate policies and procedures of the department and the University, in a union environment.

A successful candidate will have strong leadership skills, excellent interpersonal skills, including oral and written communication, the ability to function under significant pressure or in times of crisis, and proficiency to receive and maintain confidential information. It is critical for the Chief to have experience in understanding and addressing the interests and needs within a highly diverse, decentralized environment, including demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, staff, faculty and community partners that are built on confidence and trust. The Chief is also responsible for working in and creating a team environment and managing an annual budget.

Additionally, a successful candidate will :

• Be a true team player with a high level of professional ethics and personal integrity, committed to open communication.
• Have in-depth understanding of applicable laws, risk management, safety and security procedures, policies, and procedures necessary to inform an immediate and appropriate response to all safety situations.
• Continue to integrate UPPD as a member of the Penn community. Work to gain the trust, respect of the Penn and West Philadelphia communities through established principles of transparency and accountability, through empathetic and professional policing.
• Demonstrate a record of working with local law enforcement sharing knowledge and resources. Have experience successfully managing large events, protests, and athletic competitions.
• Demonstrate a record of establishing positive working relationships with community organizations and university stakeholders, including faculty, staff and students, in a collaborative approach to campus safety. A genuine willingness to engage in community policing practices, continual open communications, positive daily interactions, and responsiveness to needs and concerns.
• Recruit, train, and retain exceptional staff that is diverse, well-qualified, and genuinely interested in serving the Penn and West Philadelphia community. Be a motivated leader who is consistent, fair, accessible. Will empower and challenge individuals while elevating the department and maintaining morale.
• Make data-driven, evidence-based decisions on crime deterrence, deployment and response. Will also remain open to trying new approaches and technologies to address our challenges.

Required Qualifications

Education / Training

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, Public or Business Administration, or a related field required.

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a master's degree, Federal Bureau of Investigations National Academy and other senior supervisory schools preferred.

Equivalent years of relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a college degree.

Candidates for this position must possess Act 120 certification (must be a graduate of a Pennsylvania municipal police academy or a graduate of an out-of-state police academy program recognized by the Municipal Police Officers

Education and Training Commission (MPOETC) through the out of state waiver process). Further, candidates must possess a valid driver's license and must be at least 21 years of age.

Experience

A minimum of ten plus years of progressively responsible management experience in law enforcement.

Qualified candidates from historically excluded groups are encouraged to apply to this position.

Cover Letter Required

Targeted Pay Range : $118,000- $190,000

This Targeted Pay Range is only applicable to this job posting. All salary offers are made based on the candidate's qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, as well as internal and market factors and grade profile.

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

Division of Public Safety

Pay Range

118,000.00 - $190,000.00 Annual Rate

Salary offers are made based on the candidate's qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, as well as internal and market factors and grade profile.

Affirmative Action Statement

Penn adheres to a policy that prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected class.

Special Requirements

Background check required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.

University Benefits

To learn more, please visit : https : / / www.hr.upenn.edu / PennHR / benefits-pay

Salary : $118,000 - $190,000