The Deputy Chief of Police (Deputy Chief) serves as the second-in-command of the Western Washington University Police Department (WWUPD) and plays a critical leadership role in ensuring a safe, secure, and supportive environment for the university community. Reporting directly to the Chief of Police/AVP (Chief), the Deputy Chief oversees the department's daily patrol operations.
This role carries significant responsibility for the preservation of peace, protection of life and property, and enforcement of laws and regulations in a manner that supports the university’s mission and values. The Deputy Chief exercises sound judgment, discretion, and strategic planning to ensure that public safety efforts positively reflect and enhance the university’s reputation.
As a highly visible representative of the WWUPD, the Deputy Chief is expected to engage confidently and professionally with students, faculty, staff, parents, visitors, law enforcement partners, and community stakeholders. This position requires strong interpersonal skills, the ability to work with diverse cultural and social backgrounds, and a demonstrated commitment to community-oriented policing.
The Deputy Chief assists the Chief in long-range strategic planning, annual budget development, collective bargaining efforts, and assumes full command in the Chief’s absence.
A key part of this role is fostering a culture of care, open accountability, and inclusive leadership. The successful candidate will champion employee engagement, promote diversity and equity, support positive morale, and actively mentor and develop staff. This includes proven ability to lead with integrity, hold others accountable through constructive and courageous conversations, and consistently act with fairness, professionalism, and ethical clarity.
The Deputy Chief must adhere to all applicable university policies and procedures, state laws, and regulatory requirements to ensure the department operates effectively, lawfully, and equitably.
Required Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university OR an equivalent combination of education and experience. (Note: Equivalency cannot substitute for legally mandated requirements such as licensure or certification.)
Minimum of five years of supervisory experience in law enforcement administration, with proven leadership in managing personnel, operations, and complex public safety initiatives.
Current commission as a law enforcement officer of the State of Washington, or the ability to obtain one through the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission (WSCJTC) within one year of hire.
Thorough understanding of:
• Principles, policies, and best practices in police management.
• Federal, state, and local laws and regulations pertaining to law enforcement and public safety.
• Labor relations, collective bargaining agreements, and administrative procedures.
• Modern policing trends, such as community engagement, crisis response, and trauma-informed strategies.
Proven ability to:
• Lead with integrity, accountability, and ethical decision-making.
• Supervise, mentor, and help staff grow through constructive feedback and professional development.
• Build and maintain positive, collaborative relationships with diverse communities, including students, faculty, staff, and external partners
• Communicate effectively (both orally and in writing) on sensitive, complex, and high-profile issues.
• Plan, coordinate, and execute strategic initiatives within a complex organizational environment.
• Develop, review, and update departmental policies and procedures.
Demonstrated commitment to:
• Equity, inclusion, and culturally responsive policing.
• Partnership with mental health and social services to enable compassionate crisis response.
• Ongoing learning and professional development through training, education, and staying updated with emerging best practices.
Ability to:
• Qualify with a department-issued firearm within 30 days of hire and stay proficient with firearms regularly.
• Meet the physical requirements of the role, including the ability to perform essential police duties when needed.
Preferred Qualifications:
Master’s degree in criminal justice, public administration, leadership, or related field.
Completion of an executive law enforcement leadership program such as Northwestern University’s School of Police Staff and Command, the FBI National Academy, or a comparable command-level training program.
Proven experience in higher education or campus public safety, with knowledge of student development, academic culture, and Clery requirements.
Working knowledge of public safety software systems, including records management (RMS), crime reporting, and incident tracking platforms.
Experience in budget development and financial management, including monitoring expenditures, forecasting, and preparing budget justifications.
Completion of the Clery Act Compliance Training Academy or an equivalent 40-hour Clery Act compliance course. Certification in the National Incident Management System (NIMS), including ICS 100, ICS 200, ICS 300, and ICS 400.
Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:
This position is sworn law enforcement and requires:
• U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status, as required by Washington State law.
• Basic law enforcement certification or eligibility for certification through the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission (WSCJTC).
Employment is contingent upon successful completion of:
• A thorough background investigation
• Criminal convictions check
• Fingerprinting
• Psychological examination
• Polygraph examination
• Medical examination
The incumbent must undergo a re-background check every 5 years, according to state and department standards.
Must continuously meet eligibility requirements for law enforcement commissioning, including compliance with professional conduct, fitness, and firearms qualification standards.