University Police's once and future King

Tom King runs the detective unit and links Penn's police to other area law enforcers. Tom King is not your usual cop. For one thing, the new commander of the University Police detective unit is a student, as well as a high-ranking police officer -- something few of his police colleagues share with the student body. The man entrusted with overseeing all police investigations is in the process of completing his last semester before receiving a master's degree in Education from local Holy Family College. So will the University Police's newest member eventually try his hand in a realm normally suited for one of Penn's other departments? "I don't know yet," King replied. "I hope to stay here [on the police force], but eventually I would like to teach." At least for the foreseeable future, King will remain with the police -- serving an important role in both the detective unit and as a liaison between University Police and the other law enforcement agencies throughout the region. King came to the University after spending 20 years with the Philadelphia Police Department, including six as a supervisor and nine as a detective. And recently, the new commander was a member of a task force investigating gun trafficking with the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. Director of Police Operations Maureen Rush described King as a "kind of the hub in the wheel," and stressed that his personality made him ideally suited for his new job. "His demeanor is such that he is really able to listen to people and he's a facilitator," she said. "He's not a person who's going to talk at people. He's going to try to come to a common ground that is mutually beneficial to all parties." She noted that "he's my trouble-shooter," adding that King is "able to go out and look at the whole picture and come back to me and Tom [Seamon, the managing director of Public Safety]." Rush envisions King's position as filling a number of functions -- from handling special projects such as technological upgrades for the force to facilitating communication within the department. For example, King will be closely involved in implementing the new computer-based functions such as crime-mapping, case management and photo imaging that Rush describes as "absolutely necessary for investigations in the 21st century." As for his investigative responsibilities, King said he would like to ensure that the various area police branches and departments work together to solve crime. "I hope to be able to maintain a good liaison with the [city force] to ensure that the detectives here are well-trained and well-equipped and do what I can to make sure they can conduct thorough investigations," he said. King stressed that an effective investigation depends on various branches of law enforcement -- from the University Police investigators that arrive on the scene first to the members of the city police corps who often aid the Penn squad. But he also emphasized the importance of community, noting that University Police is "very sensitive to the needs of the community and aware of the fact that the community plays an integral role in campus life." King said he hopes that all of these facets of police work will result in his ultimate goal -- a University that will have "a reputation that it's not a target-friendly environment. [Criminals] are going to move on because it's so difficult. The word will get out."