News Summary
UCLA announces the appointment of Craig Valenzuela as the new police chief, effective September. As a Bruin alum with extensive law enforcement experience, Valenzuela aims to enhance campus safety, especially ahead of the 2028 Olympics. He steps in following the resignation of former chief John Thomas amidst scrutiny over his handling of campus protests. Valenzuela’s deep connection to UCLA and credentials from the LAPD position him well to address current challenges within the university’s police department.
Los Angeles – Craig Valenzuela has been appointed as the new police chief of UCLA, marking a significant leadership change within the university’s police department. The announcement was made on Monday, with Valenzuela set to begin his role on the Westwood campus in September.
Valenzuela, a Bruin alum who earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from UCLA, has over two decades of law enforcement experience, primarily with the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD). His extensive background is expected to play a critical role in enhancing safety on campus, particularly as UCLA prepares to host Olympic and Paralympic athletes in 2028. Chancellor Julio Frenk highlighted that prioritizing safety for the university community is paramount.
Growing up in Harbor City, California, Valenzuela has held various positions throughout his three-decade career in law enforcement, including commanding officer of the LAPD’s North Hollywood Patrol Division and its elite Metropolitan Division. His credentials include graduation from the FBI National Academy and participation in the LAPD Command Development Program, positioning him as a strong candidate to lead UCLA’s police force.
The appointment comes after the resignation of former police chief John Thomas, who stepped down in December 2024 amid controversies surrounding his management of campus protests related to the Israel-Hamas war. Thomas faced backlash for overseeing protests that led to violence, injuries, and arrests, sparking scrutiny over the police response and the overall handling of the situation by UCLA administration. An independent review criticized UCLA for its lack of communication and decision-making during these events.
Following Thomas’s departure, interim chief Scott Scheffler has been leading the department. Valenzuela participated in a nationwide search for the chief position alongside other exemplary leaders, as confirmed by Associate Vice Chancellor for Campus and Community Safety Steve Lurie. The search committee comprised faculty, staff, students, and law enforcement executives from UCLA, ensuring a thorough selection process.
The UCLA Office of Campus and Community Safety is expected to expand under Valenzuela’s leadership, which is critical given the upcoming international events. His appointment aims to provide stability in a police department that has seen significant transitions, with three chiefs in two years. The new chief’s experience and familiarity with the university’s landscape as an alumnus may contribute positively to fostering a safer campus environment.
In summary, Craig Valenzuela’s appointment as UCLA’s police chief signifies a new chapter for the university amidst recent challenges in campus safety and law enforcement management. As Valenzuela transitions into his new role, the community remains hopeful for enhanced security and effective leadership moving forward.
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Additional Resources
- NBC Los Angeles: New UCLA Police Chief
- Daily Bruin: UCLA Selects New UCPD Chief
- NBC Los Angeles: Dennis Broad
- LA Times: Anaheim Police Taser Incident
- OC Register: Jury Awards $13.2 Million
- Wikipedia: UCLA
- Google Search: UCLA police chief
- Google Scholar: UCLA police
- Encyclopedia Britannica: UCLA
- Google News: UCLA police chief
Author: STAFF HERE HOLLYWOOD
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