The University Police Department has been operating without a chief since Tom Rambo's departure on June 9, but officials say the department is running smoothly as the search for a new chief nears completion.
According to Vice President for Public Safety Maureen Rush, the department is actively working to fill the void and should have a new chief in place by early November. Rush is in charge of making the choice.
"I have narrowed my search for the chief of police position to two candidates" and will "make a final decision shortly," Rush said.
According to Rush, the absence of a chief has not hindered the UPPD's ability to carry out its usual operations.
"Penn Police is running very smoothly," Rush said. "The various roles beneath the chief of police position are ... doing what they have always done, producing good results."
Rush cited a successful start of the school year as proof of the UPPD's effectiveness.
"Since Tom Rambo's departure, the department expertly handled move-in and New Student Orientation," Rush said. "The start-up of the semester regarding crime abatement [has] also thus far been very positive."
According to University City Lt. Fred Carbonara, much of the UPPD's success may be attributed to "the communication and coordination between the different entities involved."
In an interview last week, Carbonara emphasized that the new administration of President Amy Gutmann should therefore "keep everything in place," regardless of who is chosen as the new chief of police.
The two individuals currently vying for the post were recently brought before the Division of Public Safety Advisory Board and the Safety and Security Committee. Rush said the committees' feedback will be a critical part of her considerations.
"I will receive [the committees'] feedback and include their feedback [and] the feedback of my leadership team, who also interviewed all of the candidates," Rush said.
Rush would not comment on specific personnel or policy changes with the hiring of a new chief but noted the continuing potential for change.
"The police department, like all departments within the Division of Public Safety, as well as at the University in general, are all subject to future restructuring based upon the changing environment and needs of the division," Rush said.
