Florida State University (FSU) invites nominations and applications for the position of Deputy Chief of Police. FSU is one of the nation’s most prestigious research universities and one of the largest and oldest institutions in the State University System of Florida. With nearly 44,000 students and approximately 6,600 employees, FSU offers a distinctive academic environment rooted in cherished values and a proud heritage. Located in the heart of Tallahassee—the state capital—FSU also operates satellite campuses in Panama City and Sarasota.
This is an exciting opportunity for an accomplished law enforcement leader to join a respected university and help shape the future of campus safety. 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.
Florida State University Police Department
The Florida State University Police Department (FSUPD) is a fully accredited agency serving the Tallahassee and Panama City campuses with approximately 91 sworn officers and numerous professional staff. FSUPD embraces the principles of trust, transparency, accountability, officer wellness, and innovation.
Over the past five years, FSU has invested more than $25 million into FSUPD, upgrading and expanding the police fleet, acquiring modernized equipment, and implementing cutting-edge artificial intelligence technology to enhance public safety. The University has also committed to building a state-of-the-art dispatch center to strengthen emergency response and campus security. These sustained investments underscore FSU’s proactive approach to ensuring a safe environment for students, faculty, staff, and visitors.
The Department is organized into three bureaus—Operations, Professional Standards, and Criminal Investigations & Intelligence (which includes a Real-Time Crime Center)—each led by a Police Captain reporting directly to the Deputy Chief.
Role and Responsibilities
The Deputy Chief of Police is a senior executive leader responsible for supporting the Chief of Police in all aspects of departmental operations. This role provides strategic oversight of FSUPD’s core bureaus and assumes full command in the Chief’s absence.
The Ideal Candidate
The successful candidate will be a proven law enforcement leader with operational expertise, strategic vision, and a record of fostering community partnerships. The University seeks an inspiring communicator who listens with empathy, leads with conviction, and embraces innovation in public safety.
Key qualities include:
- Commitment to community engagement and progressive policing strategies
- Dedication to officer wellness and fair, decisive personnel decisions
- Experience with accreditation processes, technology, and modern policing practices
- Integrity, resilience, adaptability, and a collaborative leadership style
The Deputy Chief will play a vital role in reinforcing the Chief’s vision, ensuring operational excellence, and fostering a safe, inclusive environment for all members of the FSU community.
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 & Application
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 available.
Applications should include a cover letter, comprehensive resume, and five professional references. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
Please view the full position profile at www.publicsectorsearch.com.
Confidential inquiries should be directed to:
Public Sector Search & Consulting, Inc. – (916) 789-9990
Gary Peterson, President – (916) 622-5323 (Mobile)
Justin Doll, Senior Consultant – (907) 748-5746 (Mobile)
