Jeff Baker, UNC Charlotte chief of the Police and Public Safety Department and Campus Safety’s Director of the Year, is the subject of a cover story in the publication’s August edition.
The article, by Robin Gray, notes Baker’s “enthusiastic participation in campus life and hard work” enabled the chief to “garner support for the expansion of his agency’s jurisdiction, as well as acquire more resources, decrease crime, develop community and administration buy-in and adopt innovative Clery compliance practice in only two years.”
Baker, who retired from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, joined UNC Charlotte as interim police chief in June 2010 before being appointed officially in May 2011.
In the Campus Safety article, Baker stated he loves his job and UNC Charlotte. “Your people have to know you care about them. You have to make sure you are accessible and paying attention. You have to collaborate with all of your key players on campus, and it has to be continuous.”
Campus Safety detailed a number of Baker’s accomplishments that led to his selection as Director of the Year for 2012. They include implementing a Community Oriented Policing plan; developing partnerships with external stakeholders, such as police, fire and rescue to expand PPS’s jurisdiction; creating an Internal Affairs Division to ensure personnel are guided by the department’s mission, values and directives; and establishing a SWAT team to respond to high-profile incidents that could occur.
“The support of our chancellor is tantamount to the success of safety and security on our campus,” said Baker in the article. “Chancellor Dubois has made his concern for campus safety, security and emergency management very clear.” He also credited the support of Hank James, associate vice chancellor for risk management, safety and security, and Beth Hardin, vice chancellor for business affairs, for his ability to move forward with campus security upgrades.
Photo: Chief Baker, center, was named Campus Safety's Director of the Year for 2012.