Early in October, three candidates from around the country made a visit to the UW campus to be interviewed for the UWPD Chief of Police position that has been available for the past several months.

After a long consideration period and several interview processes, John Vinson, undersheriff for the Isabella County Sheriff’s Department in Mount Pleasant, Mich., was offered the position of chief of police for the UWPD last week. He accepted the position Wednesday.

Vinson brings with him a Ph.D. in public administration from Western Michigan University and 15 years of law enforcement experience, eight of which were served in Central Michigan University’s police department. The decision to hire Vinson was made by Eric Godfrey, Vice Provost for Student Life at the UW, along with Provost Phyllis Wise and President Mark Emmert. Vinson will be paid a $160,000 yearly salary to fill the posiion.

“Dr. Vinson enjoyed broad support across campus after his visit here,” Godfrey said. “The general consensus was that he brings a wonderful blend of skills and experiences and an impressive academic record.”

Vinson will become official in February of next year.

UWPD has been without a permanent police chief since former Chief Vicky Stormo stepped down earlier this year. Assistant Chief Ray Wittmier has been acting as interim chief for the past several months while the UW attempted to fill the vacant position. Wittmier will extend his duties until Vinson arrives in February.

At one point, Wittmier was pursuing the open chief of police position, but he did not follow through with the process after the second round of interviews. He said, however, that he is happy with the changes happening in the department.

“I’m excited about the energy and fresh ideas [Vinson] brings,” Wittmier said. “I like the idea of somebody coming in and bringing that energy.”

Even though Vinson has worked on a college campus before, the UW will be a new experience for him.

“One of the biggest differences is that the UW is much larger in terms of students and employees compared to Western Michigan University,” Vinson said. “It’s also a much more urban environment.”

Godfrey stated that he has very clear expectations about a “community-oriented police model” that Vinson plans to build once he begins his job.

“Community-oriented policing emphasizes more progressive and preventative thinking, rather than thinking that is more reactive,” he said.

Vinson will also face internal challenges in February; the UWPD is in the midst of a discrimination lawsuit involving five current employees and one former employee. Godfrey said Vinson has full understanding of the issues within the department and is ready to face them.

“It’s absolutely critical to create an inclusive environment that’s comfortable for all employees,” Vinson said. “We will have an environment where everyone is treated with respect, so they understand that those types of allegations will not be tolerated.”

Reach reporter Casey Smith at news@dailyuw.com.