The UWPD is one step closer to finding a new Chief of Police.

Three finalists for the position have been chosen and will be on campus for the next two weeks to visit with various groups and individuals from the University.

Each candidate will hold a student forum where they will discuss their potential role in campus safety and answer any questions students may have.

Andrew Staubitz, Brad Thompson and John Vinson were carefully selected from a large applicant pool by the search committee. The University used Waldron & Company, a human resource consulting company, to implement the search for candidates.

“The candidates were reviewed and the search firm brought back a list for the local search committee to select an even smaller list of qualified applicants to come visit the campus,” said Ralph Robinson Assistant Chief of UW Police, field operations.

Robinson believes a good candidate should be someone who is well versed in law enforcement, has a broad base in education and has experience in managing a medium- to large-sized police department.

“We want someone to lead the department in making sure the UW has the best police force possible so it can ensure the safety of the campus and its community,” Robinson added.

John Vinson

Vinson is the current Undersheriff for the Isabella County Sheriff’s Department in Mount Pleasant, Mich. He performed administrative duties and served as a police sergeant and police officer for the Central Michigan University (CMU) Police Department, where he taught leadership and management courses in the MBA graduate program and undergraduate programs. Several of Vinson’s articles have been published and he has also made numerous presentations at CMU, where he received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. He received his Master of Science and Administration and Doctorate of Philosophy from Western Michigan University.

Andrew Staubitz

Staubitz is currently the Police Commander for the Arizona State Capital Police Department and served as Interim Chief of Police for more than two years. Staubitz created an Emergency Operating Center and the Arizona Capitol Block Watch Program. In Tempe, Ariz., Staubitz has also had experience as a police sergeant, police lieutenant, and crime prevention supervisor. Staubitz also won a first place award for producing a nationally televised public service announcement. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Justice Studies in 1996 from Arizona State University.

Brad Thompson

Thompson is the current Chief of Police for the city of Sammamish, Wash. He also served the King County Sheriff’s Office as an administrative captain, section commander, sergeant, and deputy officer. Thompson was called to serve in the United States Military in 2000 and again in 2003 as the Chief Warrant officer. The King County Sheriff’s Office awarded Thompson with a “Life Saving Medal”, and the U.S. Army awarded him with nine medals and two badges. He earned his Associate Degree in Criminal Justice from Tacoma Community College and his Bachelor in Law and Justice from Central Washington University. He is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy.

Reach reporter Lia Pittman at news@dailyuw.com.