Courtesy umass.edu

Johnny C. Whitehead has been appointed interim director of public safety and chief of police at the University of Massachusetts, filling the position left by last semester’s departure of Chief Barbara O’ Connor.

Joyce Hatch, vice chancellor for administration and finance, said the appointment was effective Jan. 4.

‘I look forward to working with Deputy Chief Whitehead in his new role,’ said Hatch. ‘I am confident that he will lead in an exemplary fashion and continue to grow UMPD’s reputation as a top law enforcement unit in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.’‘

Whitehead has served as deputy chief for operations at the UMass Police Department since March 2007. In 2007, O’Connor described him as ‘a capable, accomplished, professional individual.’

‘As chief of operations I was responsible for the operational components of the department, including the patrol and traffic safety functions, the Detective Bureau, K9 Unit, Mounted Unit, Tactical Arrest and Control Team and training,’ said Whitehead.

As interim director and chief at UMPD, Whitehead will oversee 63 officers as well as the many different facets involved with promoting and policing a safe and productive campus community.

‘I am responsible for the performance of the entire police department and all of its functions and services,’ said Whitehead. ‘My priority is to ensure that our officers and staff have the resources and support they need to help the campus community achieve its research, teaching and learning goals in a safe and orderly environment.

‘One of our immediate challenges is to maintain the momentum of emergency preparedness. The university has made significant investments in technology and emergency notification systems; training and implementation of these new technologies remain a priority for the department,’ he added.‘ ‘ ‘

Before joining the UMPD Whitehead was senior policy advisor on public safety issues to the lieutenant governor of Maryland from July 2001 to January 2003. In this capacity he oversaw policy development and provided research and advice on law enforcement and safety issues such as community-based policing, domestic and gun violence and state and federal legislation.

From 1997 to 2001, Whitehead served as director of operations for the Maryland Department of Transportation’s Motor Vehicle Administration, where he directed more than 900 employees in 25 branch offices and 19 vehicle inspection stations. He also managed operations components of the agency and dealt with customer service, fraud prevention and detection and budget management. ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘

Before serving in Maryland, Whitehead climbed through the ranks of the Baltimore County Police Department from 1979 to 1997, advancing from police officer to colonel and finally to chief of the Field Operations Bureau. ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘

As a colonel in the BCPD from 1995 to 1997, he oversaw 1,300 employees in eight precincts, with marine, aviation, auxiliary, tactical and K-9 units. He also was in charge of a traffic section and youth and community service sections as well as a $55 million budget.

UMass’ community is smaller in both size and scope, but Whitehead says that won’t change his job description.

‘While jurisdictions may differ, the issues and challenges remain the same regardless of size and complexity. Throughout my law enforcement career I have practiced a community policing philosophy,’ said Whitehead. That philosophy consists of ‘crime prevention; enforcement strategies; and community outreach.’‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘

Starting in 1994 through 1995 he was a major and commander of the Towson Precinct, overseeing 105 officers. He also commanded the employment and basic training division as a captain from June 1993 to December 1994 in charge of recruitment and basic training, and worked as a legislative connection to local, state and federal lawmakers as a sergeant and lieutenant from 1986 to 1991.

Whitehead earned a master’s degree in applied behavioral science from John Hopkins University in 1996 and a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the University of Ba
ltimore in 1992. He also graduated from the FBI National Academy and the Federal Executive Institute.

Chief Barbara O’Connor served in the UMPD for 25 years and left the Amherst campus in January for a job as the executive director of public safety at the University of Illinois.

Adam P. Coulter can be reached @ apcoulte@student.umass.edu.