UK Names Joe Monroe Chief of Police

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 18, 2009) − Major Joe Monroe was named permanent University of Kentucky Chief of Police today, following a three-year tenure as the department's senior officer. He becomes the first UK police chief to have progressed through the ranks of the department.

[IMAGE1]Monroe's career with UK Police began in 1994 as a patrol officer. He advanced through the ranks, serving as a detective, sergeant, lieutenant and major. He took over responsibilities of leading the police force when the previous chief, McDonald Vick, resigned in July 2006. Vick was hired following a national search in which Monroe was a finalist for the position.

Anthany Beatty, assistant vice president for Campus Services, said a national search was not necessary this time, adding that Monroe has "earned this opportunity and will serve UK well."

"We wanted to ensure that we had the right person for the job, as campus safety is always a top priority for us," Beatty said. "Joe knows this campus and its people. He has done an outstanding job as the senior officer and has demonstrated the leadership needed for this position."

Beatty also thanked all the employees of the UK Police Department for their dedication and outstanding work in providing a high level of safety for the UK campus. He noted that the numbers with respect to crime on campus have improved over the last three years as Monroe managed the force as its senior officer.

Among the many other advancements made during Monroe's leadership tenure: an increase in the number of officers; developed a task force to address underage drinking to reduce student deaths related to alcohol; implemented better technology by outfitting each police officer with mobile data terminals to improve communication and response times; updated communications and 911 equipment; moved to fully electronic report taking procedures; implemented “green” sustainability initiative for the department including procurement of two electric motorcycles for patrol; increased training and preparedness; improved relationships with the campus and Lexington communities, which included establishing the Citizen’s Police Academy.

"I appreciate the overwhelming support from the university and local community in endorsing me for this position," Monroe said. "I'm very excited and humbled that President Todd, Mr. Butler (Executive Vice President for Finance and Administration Frank Butler), and Mr. Beatty have such confidence in my abilities. I've had a rewarding career with UK Police, and I look forward to continuing to serve this excellent police force as its chief by continuing to move the department forward in a progressive manner."

Monroe said he wants to continue building the police department's internal and external relationships and will focus on strong customer service.

"One of my goals is to make the UK Police Department one of the top 10 police departments in the state and a top 20 university police department in the nation," Monroe said.

As chief, Monroe will continue to oversee a $5.4 million budget and a force of 53 sworn police officers, 58 security officers, nine certified telecommunications officers, and three staff support personnel who cover UK's main campus and medical center, including Chandler Hospital.

Monroe holds a bachelor's degree in medical management from Carson-Newman College and will graduate next year with a master's degree in criminal justice from Eastern Kentucky University. He has completed a number of professional development programs, including the School of Strategic Leadership and the FBI's National Academy. Monroe is a member of several professional organizations and serves on various campus and city committees dealing with safety.