Deputy Chief of Police- Florida State University Police Department - Police Executive Research Forum : Job Details

Overview

A NATIONAL SEARCH is underway for a new Deputy Chief of Police.

FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY (FSU) invites nominations and applications for the position of Deputy Chief of Police. This is an exciting opportunity for an accomplished law enforcement leader to join one of the nation's most respected universities and help shape the future of public safety for a vibrant academic community.

The Deputy Chief will serve as a strategic partner to the Chief of Police, providing leadership in daily operations while supporting long-term vision and innovation. This role offers the chance to make a lasting impact by advancing the principles of 21st Century Policing, strengthening community trust, and fostering a culture of respect and accountability.

As part of an institution recognized for academic excellence and global engagement, the Deputy Chief will play a critical role in ensuring a safe and supportive environment where students, faculty, staff, and visitors can thrive.

The University

Florida State University (FSU) is one of the nation's premier research universities and among the largest and oldest institutions in the State University System of Florida. With nearly 44,000 students, approximately 6,600 employees, and an operating budget of $2.2 billion, FSU provides a distinctive academic environment rooted in cherished values. Located on the oldest continuous site of higher education in Florida in Tallahassee, the state capital, FSU maintains satellite campuses in Panama City and Sarasota. The University's seal embodies its mission—Vires, Artes, Mores (Strength, Skill, and Character)—and guides its commitment to developing new generations of citizen leaders.

FSU offers more than 276 degree programs across 18 colleges and its Graduate School, including highly ranked programs in medicine, law, criminology, and the arts. The University awards over 3,000 graduate and professional degrees each year. FSU is a demanding, intellectually stimulating, yet warm and caring environment for students and faculty. FSU has over 60 years of international education leadership, with study centers in London, Florence, Valencia, and Panama City.

The City of Tallahassee

Florida's vibrant capital city, Tallahassee, is home to just over 200,000 residents and serves as the state's political, cultural, and educational hub. The city blends southern charm with a thriving arts and cultural scene, and it sits within easy reach of Florida's Gulf Coast beaches. Its strong connections to state government, higher education, and research make Tallahassee an ideal setting for university leadership.

The Police Department

The Florida State University Police Department (FSUPD) is a fully accredited law enforcement agency serving both the Tallahassee and Panama City campuses with approximately 91 sworn officers and numerous professional staff members delivering services while partnering with local, state, and federal agencies. FSUPD embraces the principles of 21st Century Policing, focusing on trust, transparency, accountability, officer wellness, and innovation.

Operations: Patrol, SROs, Security, Traffic, Motors, and Special Events

Professional Standards: Internal Affairs, Recruiting, Backgrounds, Training, Accreditation, Policy Development, Citizens' Police Academy

Criminal Investigations & Intelligence: Criminal Investigations and Real Time Crime Center

In 2025, FSUPD officers were awarded for their courageous response to a campus shooting—demonstrating the department's dedication to valor, readiness, and service.

Florida State University has demonstrated a strong commitment to public safety by investing more than $25 million into FSUPD in the past five years, upgrading and expanding the department's fleet, acquiring modernized weapons, and implementing cutting-edge artificial intelligence technology to enhance law enforcement capabilities. The University is developing a state-of-the-art dispatch center to strengthen emergency response coordination and ensure greater safety for the campus community. The Department is organized into three bureaus, each led by a Police Captain reporting directly to the Deputy Chief.

The Role: Deputy Chief of Police

This role provides strategic oversight of FSUPD's core bureaus and assumes full command in the Chief's absence.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Directing daily operations of Patrol, SROs, Security Staff, and Evidence
• Leading policy development, budget planning, and integration, and departmental efficiency
• Serving as incident commander for major events and on-call emergencies
• Building strategic partnerships with law enforcement agencies, university departments, and community stakeholders
• Mentoring and developing officers, managing performance, and driving professional growth

This is a mission-driven leadership opportunity for a law enforcement professional who brings tactical expertise, strategic vision, and a passion for serving a university community. The Deputy Chief of Police is a senior executive leader responsible for supporting the Chief of Police in all aspects of departmental operations.

Ideal Candidate

The successful candidate will be a proven law enforcement leader with strong operational expertise, strategic vision, and a record of fostering community partnerships. The ideal candidate will be an inspiring communicator who listens with empathy, leads with conviction, and embraces innovation in public safety. It is expected that the ideal candidate will have genuine law enforcement experience and expertise in multiple areas under their leadership.

• Commitment to community engagement and progressive policing strategies.
• Ability to support officer wellness and make fair, decisive personnel decisions.
• Experience with accreditation processes, technology, and modern policing practices.
• Integrity, resilience, adaptability, and a collaborative leadership style.

The ideal candidate will play a vital role in reinforcing the Chief's vision, ensuring operational excellence, and fostering a safe environment for students, faculty, staff, and visitors.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and six years of sworn law enforcement experience
• Must meet the requirements of Section 943.13, Florida Statutes
• Valid Florida or Georgia driver's license (or ability to obtain prior to hire)
• Preferred: Experience at a large university

Compensation & Benefits

The mission of the Florida State University Police Department is to protect the lives and well-being of students, faculty, staff, and visitors through professional law enforcement services and innovative technologies.

FSU offers a competitive compensation package with salary commensurate with experience, a robust total rewards program, and special risk benefits under the Florida Retirement System. Relocation assistance may be considered.

Apply Today

Applications should include a cover letter and five professional references. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Application Procedures

Confidential inquiries and questions regarding this career opportunity should be directed to:

Public Sector Search & Consulting, Inc. (916) ###-#### (office)

www.publicsectorsearch.com

Gary Peterson, President

Justin Doll, Senior Consultant

6520 Lonetree Blvd. Ste 1040, Rocklin, CA 95765

ADDRESS: 6520 Lonetree Blvd. Suite 1040, Rocklin, CA 95765

PHONE & FAX: (916) ###-#### | Fax (916) ###-####

EMAIL: [email protected] | [email protected]

Web: publicsectorsearch.com