Mark Glenn, a 15-year veteran of the Washington University Police Department, has been appointed the university’s chief of police, effective June 1. Henry S. Webber, executive vice chancellor for administration, said Glenn was selected for his stellar record, strong relationships with campus and community partners and deep commitment to students.
“He is a very experienced, professional and thoughtful law enforcement leader who has performed exceptionally well,” Webber said. “During his years at Washington University he has gained the trust of the entire university community — students, faculty and staff.”
Glenn has served as interim police chief since December when former chief Don Strom departed to lead global security at St. Louis-based Edward Jones. Glenn oversees a staff of 55 police officers, security officers, dispatchers and other personnel. Prior to his arrival at Washington University, Glenn served as a police officer in Chesterfield, Mo., and a deputy sheriff in Jefferson County, Mo.
“We work at an elite university and our community deserves the best police department it can have,” Glenn said. “We hire only the best candidates. And working in education, we take education seriously. I am committed to staying on the cutting edge of new technologies and policing strategies and finding new training opportunities for our staff.”
Glenn was chosen from a field of 60 candidates from across the country. Webber, who oversees the department, said Glenn best understood the unique role a police chief plays on a university campus.
“The job certainly requires an exceptional law enforcement executive, but you must be a student affairs professional too,” Webber said. “Mark does both very, very well.”
Glenn said he will continue to work with student groups and university departments to improve campus safety. During his tenure, Glenn has expanded training in sexual assault response and impartial policing practices. His entire team also has participated in Safe Zones training to foster a safer environment for LGBTQIA students.
Glenn also collaborates with student organizers to make sure protests are safe and peaceful.
“Standing up for your opinion isn’t something to be afraid of; it’s something to relish,” Glenn said. “We may not all personally always agree with the message, but we have to ensure our community members have the opportunity to use their voices.”
Glenn also will continue efforts to make surrounding neighborhoods, where many students work and live, more secure. Webber said Glenn has built strong relationships with other law enforcement agencies and coordinates daily with their officers.
Chancellor Mark S. Wrighton praised Glenn for his past service and is confident in his leadership.
“The Washington University Police Department is exceptional, thanks largely to the great work of officers like Mark Glenn,” said Wrighton. “His genuine concern for the safety and education of our students, as well as the entire Washington University community, motivates everything he does. I am confident that, under his leadership, the Washington University Police Department will continue its record of excellence.”
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