Job Description:
Brown University’s Department of Public Safety and Emergency Management (DPSEM) embraces the community policing philosophy, and as such works diligently to meet the needs and expectations of the University community-at-large. The Deputy Chief must be the lead member of the community policing team for the various line operations units of the Department, and must coordinate those efforts with all other segments of the department. As a vital member of the executive leadership team, the Deputy Chief will lead this community policing effort to ensure a safe, secure and inclusive environment for our diverse community. This pivotal role requires an inspiring leader who excels at operational management and possesses a deep understanding of contemporary public safety challenges.
The Deputy Chief reports directly to the Vice President for Public Safety and Emergency Management/Chief of Police and assumes responsibility and command of the Department in the absence of the Chief. The Deputy shall be a visible presence within the University community, identifying problems and coordinating and addressing various community policing and problem-solving activities. The incumbent directs and coordinates the activities of all community policing within the Department of Public Safety and Emergency Management, responds to the scene of major incidents on campus; and provides direction to supervisory and line personnel while coordinating Public Safety activities with those of other University departments and outside agencies. This individual is a key element in the department's strategic planning, identifying and resolving problems encountered in the delivery of police services.
The Deputy must balance the needs and expectations of the University community in both routine and emergency situations with the needs and expectations of the supervisors and officers for whom they are responsible, all while ensuring a safe working environment. Additionally, in both such emergency situations and routine incidents, there is a need for legal decision-making regarding department response, search and seizure, and criminal charges. The Deputy must develop and maintain a close working relationship with the commanding officers and supervisors of the Providence Police Department; in addition, because of the various dignitaries and visitors to the University, the Deputy must maintain a close working relationship with the various Federal and State law enforcement agencies such as the FBI, the Secret Service, and the Rhode Island State Police.
Major Responsibility: Oversee all patrol operations and community policing functions of the Department of Public Safety and Emergency Management.
Provide leadership coaching, and mentoring to command staff and supervisory personnel. Direct, aid, assist, and instruct personnel in the proper methods of fulfilling their assignments.
Respond to all major crime scenes on campus, directing and coordinating department efforts and responsibilities.
Develop goals and objectives for line operations designed to continuously improve services and promote quality initiatives.
Assist in the development of policies and procedures to maintain consistent and effective operations, while ensuring conformity and compliance to the standards of the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA).
Ensure consistent application and enforcement of departmental rules, regulations, policies and procedures. Ensure all supervisory personnel effectively respond to all instances of neglect of duty or violations of departmental rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
Responsible for all personnel matters which may occur within the line operations units. Conduct internal investigations and maintain discipline.
Identify and attend to training and professional development needs of personnel assigned.
Oversee development and coordination of major University events and for department sponsored events, including, but not limited to, deployment of officers, coordination with federal, state, and local law enforcement and governmental agencies, and after-event evaluations for future planning needs.
Participate in the development and implementation of emergency management plans to ensure the university’s comprehensive approach to preparing for, mitigating against, responding to, and recovering from a disaster. Plan, develop, and evaluate drills and exercises.
Periodic review of written crime and incident reports to ensure completeness, accuracy, conformity to FBI Uniform Crime Report procedures, and the regulations of the federal Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act.
Review statistics related to crime rates, crime trends, and incident reports and adjust patrol operations as needed to address areas of criminal activity.
Maintain open communications and positive relations with the appropriate Divisions/Bureaus of the Providence Police Department, the Rhode Island State Police, Rhode Island Office of the Attorney General, and other federal and state law enforcement agencies to ensure effective follow-up of all criminal investigations and prosecutions.
Major Responsibility: Represent the department and the University in matters related to safety and security to develop relationships and to create an atmosphere of mutual respect and understanding, and shared communications.
Represent the department and the Chief of Police in meetings with student groups, the various components of Campus Life and Student Services, General Counsel, Facilities Management, other administrative and/or academic departments, the media, the College Hill community, Providence Police and other federal, state and municipal law enforcement agencies. Attend disciplinary decisions group meeting, University Disciplinary Council meetings, and address student and community groups as requested.
Maintain an active and visible presence within the University community, being an active participant on relevant University and local community committees.
Major Responsibility: Promote good relations between the University, the unions that represent DPSEM staff members, and all represented and non-represented members of the department; strengthen cooperativeness and teamwork at all levels; build morale, foster an attitude of recognizing goals and work with personnel to achieve them.
Work with all interested parties to provide and maintain mutually satisfactory terms and conditions of employment.
Assist the Chief of Police and the University’s Labor Relations office in negotiating union contracts. Prevent, adjust, and negotiate misunderstanding or grievances related to employment.
Uphold equal opportunity and anti-harassment policies; investigate and take actions of charges of discrimination or harassment involving Line Operations personnel.
Meet periodically and jointly with the Chief of Police and the officers of all DPSEM unions to facilitate communications.
Maintain a thorough knowledge of the collective bargaining agreement and serve as a resource for supervisory staff.
Work closely with the Office of Employee and Labor Relations to proactively address and resolve employee and/or labor relations matters within the department, and to resolve conflict and maintain open communication with patrol and supervisory personnel.
Major Responsibility: Assist the Chief of Police in the department of problem solving policies, and strategic and long-range planning; initiate training areas related to established strategic and long-range plans, and community and departmental needs; preparation of budget request for line operations units. Assume the duties of the Chief of Police when absent.
Initiate and/or work with the members of the department and the University community in defining and implementing problem solving techniques related to law enforcement service delivery.
Assist in the management of the department’s budget by actively monitoring and maintaining personnel, equipment, and operating expenditures for the community policing bureau within established limits.
Develop budget projections as input to the annual budget process and the strategic and long-range department plan.
Job Qualifications:
Bachelors’ Degree in Criminal Justice, Management, Administration or other related field from an accredited institution. Master’s degree preferred.
Graduate of a recognized and approved police training academy and eligible for appointment/licensing by the Rhode Island State Police.
Ten plus years’ progressive and broad-based experience in law enforcement. Experience in a university or campus setting, or knowledge of community policing; working with an diverse community and union population are desirable. A demonstrated record of positive community and public relations is important.
Must be a proven manager with five plus years’ management experience at the rank of lieutenant or higher in a law enforcement setting.
Must be an executive who prioritizes exceptional leadership, emotional intelligence, and strategic vision over specific higher-education policing experience. The successful candidate will be an adept relationship-builder, capable of seamlessly navigating local, state, and regional law enforcement networks while championing the tenets of modern public safety.
Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills. Additionally, must have demonstrated interpersonal skills, and the ability to motivate and team build.
Sound judgement and the ability to make difficult decisions. Must be able to take command of any situation.
Must have a thorough knowledge of and proficiency in the care and use of firearms, self-defense tools and criminal detection devices.
Knowledge of core principles of emergency management such as FEMA NIMS/ICS preferred.
Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal skills are a must to succeed. The Deputy must be a person of dependability, tact and diplomacy, with the ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality. Must maintain positive relations with all areas of the University in order to accomplish the department’s mission; must be a team builder, motivator, and an innovator.
Must have a strong commitment to promoting institutional diversity and inclusion.
Other Information:
Physical requirements/essential functions for this position include:
Ability to operate a motor vehicle;
Ability to operate a firearm and engage in self-defense tactics;
Ability to move about campus to various locations for meetings;
Ability to sit or stand for long periods of time.
Ability to respond to campus at any time of day to respond to an emergency.
All offers of employment are contingent upon consent to criminal background screening and education verification with results satisfactory to Brown
Benefits of Working at Brown:
Please review additional information on the Benefits of Working at Brown.
Recruiting Start Date:
2026-06-26
Job Posting Title:
Deputy Chief of Police
Department:
Public Safety and Emergency Management
Grade:
Grade 13
Worker Type:
Employee
Worker Sub-Type:
Regular
Time Type:
Full time
Scheduled Weekly Hours:
37.5
Position Work Location:
Onsite
Submission Guidelines:
Please note that in order to be considered an applicant for any staff position at Brown University you must submit an application form for each position for which you believe you are qualified. Applications are not kept on file for future positions. Please include a cover letter and resume with each position application.
This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.
Brown University is a registered employer in the following states: Rhode Island, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, Washington, D.C. All remote work must be performed in a state in which Brown is registered to do business.
Still Have Questions?
If you have any questions you may contact [email protected].
Brown is an E-Verify Employer.
EEO Statement:
Brown University provides equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination, harassment and retaliation based upon a person’s race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law, in the administration of its policies, programs, and activities. The University recognizes and rewards individuals on the basis of qualifications and performance. The University maintains certain affirmative action programs in compliance with applicable law.
