Chris Keary named chief of KU Police
LAWRENCE — University of Kansas leadership has appointed a veteran KU officer as its newest chief of police.
Chris Keary, who has been serving since Jan. 1 as interim director of the Public Safety Office and chief of KU Police, will assume the role in an ongoing capacity.
“Chris has done an outstanding job leading the office during this interim timeframe,” said Diane Goddard, vice provost for administration and finance. “As a longtime law enforcement official for KU, I know Chris, who has extensive experience in KU’s Public Safety Office, has the experience, perspective and judgment to deliver the service and direction this position requires.”
Keary was named interim chief upon the retirement of Ralph Oliver in December 2015.
“I am honored to be chosen as KU’s chief of police," Keary said. "The employees of the KU Public Safety Office strive to provide a safe environment for the KU community, and I look forward to leading them as we continue that effort.”
Prior to Oliver’s departure, Keary served as assistant chief of police at KU and led a 28-officer contingent providing full-service law enforcement services to the KU-Lawrence campus. He began his law enforcement career as a student dispatcher with the department and then moved on to full-time employment as a communications operator, police officer and as a sergeant in both patrol and community services. In June 1998 he was selected as the assistant chief of police and placed in charge of day-to-day operations of the police division.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in computer science from KU and a master’s degree in criminal justice from Washburn University. He is a graduate of the 241st Session of the FBI National Academy and the FBI Central States Law Enforcement Executive Development Seminar. He has instructed courses in managing critical incidents at institutions of higher education and 300- and 400-level Incident Command System courses. He has also taught criminal justice courses for Washburn.
He is a current member of FBI National Academy Associates (FBINAA), FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Association (FBI LEEDA), International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) and the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators (IACLEA).
Additional changes in the Public Safety Office include elevating captains James Anguiano and Bobby Williams to deputy chief status. The assistant chief position is being eliminated, and an additional police officer will be assigned to the Patrol Unit.