Technical Consultants:
Rich Williams
CSI, Student Union
Alex Volfson
UTD Web Services
Nika Nestor
UTD Web Services
Site Designer and Consultant:
Roger Stearns
UTDPD Web Team:
Asst.Chief Debra Marable
Corporal Misty Boyd
TCO Kevin Grubbs
History of the UTD Police Department
1974 - 1997 J.W. Golden Chief of Police
1997 - Present Colleen Ridge Chief of Police
1974
Chief J.W. Golden was hired as the first Chief of Police for UTD, after
he retired as Chief of Police for the the city of Richardson, Texas.
Chief Golden inherited a security staff of four.
1975 - 1977
Five UT System Police Officers tfrom other UT campuses ransferred to the
new Police Department at the rank of Sergeant. The Police Department
operated out of the Temporary Administration Building which was located at
the 2200 block of Waterview Parkway between Tatum Street and Cullum
Street. The Police Dispatch was located in Cecil Green Hall. An
Officer's workroom was also located in Cecil Green Hall. The Department's
staff was expanded to 6 Security Guards, 3 Dispatchers, 5 Police
Sergeants, a Secretary, and a Police Chief. The Department had one patrol
car, (a 1974 Ford Ranchero), and two electric golf carts.
1977 - 1980
The Department moved from the temporary building at Tatum Street to the
basement of the Founders North building in the center of campus. Two
Clerks were hired to process parking permits and maintain Department
records. The Department's commissioned staff now included 5 Police
Officers, 4 Police Sergeants, and a Police Chief. The non-commissioned
staff was increased to 10 Security Guards. The first Information Center
for visitors was erected at the intersection of Lookout Drive and Drive G.
The Dispatch Center was relocated to the 2nd floor of the Founders North
building.
1980 - 1985
The Department's staff added one Police Officer and One Security Guard
every other year until about 1985. The Department now operated with 2
patrol cars, one unmarked Dodge, and three electric golf carts.
1985 - 1988
A Parking Permit Office was added to the Department staffed with 2 Clerks.
The Department increased it's total staff to include 15 Security
Guards, 3 Dispatchers, 4 Police Officers, 2 Police Sergeants, a Police
Lieutenant, a Police Chief, a Secretray, and 4 Clerks.
1988 - 1990
The first computers were added to the Department for dispatch/CAD, report
writing and record keeping. Two additional officers were hired during
this time. The first phase of the Waterview Apartments was being
constructed. The Bike Patrol was implemented with the purchase of 2
Raleigh Police Bikes. This added to our mobile patrol fleet.
1990 - 1997
The Police Department moved to a new 4,000 sq. ft. facility located on the
N.E. corner of campus. The next few phases of Waterview were being
constructed. Two additional officers were hired. The purchase of 2 new
Crown Victoria Police Interceptor squads began our new fleet. The Police
Department has 13 Commissioned officers and 19 Security Guards at this
time. Chief J.W. Golden retires after 23 years of service to the Police
Department.
1997 - 2000
Chief Colleen L. Ridge is hired from Eastern Michigan University. The
department begins to restructure and develop with a strong emphasis on
professional standards. The Community Liaison Officer Program and other
community programs are developed. The development of the Explorer Program
exploded in to a very highly regarded program for our department and the
community. The Motorcycle Division was implemented by Lt. Debra Marable
and the department purchased 2 fully-equipped Kawasaki KZ-1000.s. The
parking management position and program headed by Steve Bettley was
developed and student employees were hired to handle ticket writing
duties on campus. The new Information Center is constructed and moves to
University Parkway. The location at Lookout and Drive G is closed and
removed.
2000 - 2005
The emphasis on building a stronger department continues. The Department
was restructured and the addition of the Asst. Chief position and the
addition of 7 new positions added to the previous amount bringing our rise
to 26 commissioned Police Officers with 12 Security Guards, 8
Communication Officers (TCOs) and 1 civilian crime prevention specialist.
The Police Department organizational chart consists of (1) Chief, (1)
Asst. Chief, (2) Lieutenants, (3) Sergeants, (3) Corporals, (15) Officers.
The Parking Office moved from their location at the Police
Department and combined their services with the Bursars office. They
separated from the Police and made their own division. A new Police
Tahoe was purchased and added to the fleet.
2006 - 2007
Cadets are continuing to be sent to the Academy and graduating to fulfill
our authorized strength of 26 officers. A new Communications facility was
designed and constructed. The Communications Officers moved in to their new
building in October of 2006 and they continue to flourish with the
departments sights and goals for accreditation in the near future.
The Department estblished the Community Emergency Response Team training
and graduates its first class of community members. A Student Patrol
program is founded to assist the Police Department staffed with 25
students. The fleet remains at 6 squads, 2 guard vehicles, 2 motorcycles
and 6 patrol bicycles. The Police Department organizational chart
consists of (1) Chief, (1) Asst. Chief, (1) Captain, (1) Lieutenant, (4)
Sergeants, (3) Corporals, (15) Officers. There was also the addition of
the Emergency Management Coordinator. Our future plans include a new
police facility. The Department continues to strive for and accomplish
our goals of courtesy, service and professionalism.
2008 - Present
The Department obtained and completed operator level training for patrol rifles. Additionally, the Department acquired and deployed Mobile Data Terminal computers in each patrol vehicle. A reorganization took place and established the Office of Investigative & Special Operations and redesignated the Office of Investigative & Administrative Services to the Office of Administrative & Auxiliary Services. As a result a third command level position was established. Additionally, members of the Department continue to serve on national and state level committees in support of the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators, International Association of Chiefs of Police, UT System Police, Emergency Management as well as various committees of The University of Texas System.
History of the UTD Police Department
