Former Prince George’s County Police Chief David Mitchell, a 39-year law enforcement veteran, will take the reins as the new University Police chief starting June 7.
Out of the three finalists for the position, Vice President for Administrative Affairs Ann Wylie said she called Mitchell Monday morning to offer him the position. Her decision was based on his “extraordinary record of leadership in public safety” and his local ties.
“He was superintendent of the Maryland State Police, chief of Prince George’s County Police and state secretary of the Delaware Department of Safety and Homeland Security,” she said. “That’s quite a record.”
“He’s also an alumnus, a parent of an alumnus and from the area,” she added.
Wylie acknowledged that Mitchell will have to rebuild a battered relationship between police and the community after the riots following the Terp men’s basketball team’s win over Duke in March. While University Police weren’t involved in the alleged police brutality that took place that night, students have said the events — including the videotaped beating of junior John McKenna — make them more distrustful of police.
“He understands the issues surrounding the rioting that took place in the streets and [on March 4] and will work to curtail them,” Wylie said. “The department’s relationship with students is also important to him.”
Mitchell was traveling yesterday and couldn’t be reached for comment, but last month he fielded questions during an appearance at Stamp Student Union and was asked how he would address riots. He said he had experience handling post-game celebrations and a stable relationship with students is important, and as police chief he would make that a priority. Mitchell was involved with county police when rioting twice ensued after the men’s basketball team made back-to-back runs to the Final Four in 2001 and 2002 and rioting ensued.
“There’s a need here to celebrate, and I understand that,” Mitchell said. “But that should not involve burning, looting or property destruction.”
Bob Hayes, an undergraduate university senator who helped organize a protest against police brutality the day after the riot, admitted he didn’t know much about Mitchell but said any appointee with ties to county police was worrisome.
“Prince George’s County has a long history of improper conduct, and for someone to have so much experience with county police [and be the University Police chief] is troubling,” he said. “I have concerns at a time when county police have been accused and videotaped doing acts of police brutality at the university.”
Doug Ward, the director of the division of public safety leadership at Johns Hopkins University and a colleague and long-time friend of Mitchell, said the new chief will be the perfect person to handle or even prevent another riot.
“I certainly want someone like that in charge if something like that were going to happen,” he said. “He’s a strategic thinker, very connected and excellent at using his resources to prevent something from happening.”
Ward said Mitchell’s diverse experience in police leadership positions has also introduced him to different policing techniques and believes his expertise is essential for managing police at a college campus.
“I think nationally we need more like him on campuses,” Ward said. “Campuses are becoming a center where these more unfortunate things are going on. There are obvious examples, like the Virginia Tech shooting, dating violence and drug-induced sexual assault. But we’re also dealing with students from foreign countries that could be potential terrorists, riots and even nuclear reactors and materials that are located near campuses.”
“It’s perfectly appropriate to have our nation’s brightest, like Mitchell, on campuses. It’s not a downgrade [from his previous positions] at all,” he added.
After Mitchell signed his appointment letter Tuesday evening, Wylie said she expects Mitchell to maintain the exemplary force former University Police Chief Ken Krouse built during his 20-year career and make his own mark.
“The previous chief built a marvelous department,” she said. “Technologically, I think we lead the nation, and I expect him to continue to do so. But the department will, of course, change one way or the other under him.”
University Police spokesman Paul Dillon said the appointment of Mitchell is an accomplishment in itself.
“I’ve known Chief Mitchell for quite a number of years,” Dillon said. “I met him in 1999 and know he brings a breadth of experience that’s unmatched. He’s one of the leading law enforcement executives in the country — not Maryland, not the tri-state area, but country. For [the university] to hire someone of his caliber is quite impressive.”
botelho@umdbk.com
