The University of Tennessee announced Monday that it has chosen August Washington as the new Chief of Police for the Knoxville campus.
Washington is the current deputy director of safety and security at the University of Southern California in the greater Los Angeles area.
According to Washington, Tennessee has always been a school he’d like to work for.
“The University of Tennessee has always been one of the schools I’ve looked at. I’ve always wanted to head the police department of a flagship school like UT,” he said. “When the position became open, I said ‘Let me give it a shot.’”
The position became available in March 2005 when the long-time chief of police, Ed Yovella, retired. In light of Yovella’s expected retirement, the search for a new police chief began Feb. 1, 2005, Jeff Maples, vice president of operations, said Thursday.
When he came to the university to take in the area, Washington said, “I just absolutely fell in love with the school. We came without a whole lot of people knowing about it, and we left feeling very excited and interested in it.”
Washington, born in New Orleans, contrasted Tennessee and California.
“There’s no comparison,” he said. “It’s from one end of the spectrum to the other. California is a state where a lot of things are going on, it’s a very dynamic place, while Tennessee is a bit more relaxed.” He did say, however, that “Knoxville is more conducive to my style of living.”
Maples spoke about the reasons for choosing Washington.
“His academic credentials and qualifications, and his experience working in large universities and metropolitan areas,” were all reasons for Washington’s selection, he said.
The university’s chancellor also spoke about Washington’s credentials.
“Mr. Washington’s extensive training and service on college campuses throughout the nation will make him a true asset for The University of Tennessee,” Loren Crabtree said. “He will be a wonderful addition to our police department and we look forward to the leadership he will provide in ensuring the safety of our students and faculty and staff and all who visit our campus.”
Among the challenges the new chief will face when he begins July 11 will be bringing the police department up to national standards, gaining law enforcement accreditation and dealing with the on-going financial battle over state funds.
Maples expressed his enthusiasm for Washington’s abilities.
“I think its an exciting time,” he said. “He’s going to set a new standard for our police department. He’s a people person who’s going to foster a good working relationship between the students, the city of Knoxville and the state as a whole.”
