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Northern Kentucky University removes interim title, names Gaffin Chief of Police, effective Jan. 3


Lt. John Gaffin, a Northern Kentucky University alumnus and 10-year veteran of the NKU Police Department, has been named Chief of Police, effective Jan. 3, 2017.

Gaffin

Gaffin

Lt. Gaffin has served as Interim Police Chief since July, and he brings more than 10 years’ experience in campus and community policing. He has implemented and led numerous initiatives during his time at NKUPD, including a field training program and oversight of safety and emergency management.

Gaffin becomes the third person to hold the position of police chief at NKU since May, 2015.

Jason Willis stepped down at that time to pursue other opportunities in higher education and Les Kachurek announced his resignation in June of this year, to take a position with the FBI in New York.

“We conducted a national search for a law enforcement professional with the right blend of experience, training, professionalism, and commitment to community policing. John excels in each of those areas, and also brings a strong vision for how to elevate our University Police Department while building relationships within the department and across campus,” said Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Dan Nadler.

Lt. Gaffin received a Master of Science in Justice Administration from the University of Louisville and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a minor in Criminal Justice from NKU.

A graduate of the Southern Police Institute, he has also completed a wide variety of state, regional, and federal training and education programs on such topics as law enforcement, campus emergencies and risk assessment, active shooter response, emergency preparedness, investigations, and patrol skills.

“I am honored to have been selected to continue to serve the University and its police department in such an impactful way,” Lt. Gaffin said. “I’m eager to build upon the well-established foundation of community policing here at NKU. I have great confidence in the ability of our officers and staff to forge prolific partnerships with our campus and community, while maintaining the high levels of safety and service our stakeholders have come to expect.”

The Chief of Police oversees all NKUPD activities, operations and services, including: law enforcement, crime suppression and prevention, investigations, facility security, emergency dispatch, and administrative support services.  The department also plays a significant role in emergency preparedness.

The NKU Police Department includes 18 sworn officers, a K-9 unit, and seven civilian employees. The department and its emergency dispatch center serve the campus 24 hours per day, seven days per week. The agency is accredited by the Kentucky Association of Chiefs of Police, and officers are trained and certified through the Kentucky Department of Criminal Justice Training.

The department is housed in NKU’s Division of Student Affairs.

Northern Kentucky University


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