Baxley Selected as USA Chief of Police

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Posted on April 26, 2024

Lance Crawford

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Darren J. Baxley, a veteran law enforcement officer at the University of Florida, where he most recently has served as deputy chief of police, has been named chief of police at the University of South Alabama. He begins June 10.

“The security of our students, faculty, staff and patients is and will continue to be a priority, which is reflected in today’s announcement,” said President Jo Bonner. “Fundamental to all our work of promoting discovery, health and learning is meeting the safety needs of our community and visitors.”

The hiring was announced Friday by Dr. Andi Kent, executive vice president and provost, and Peter Susman, chief administrative officer.

“Darren’s collaborative, student-focused approach to police work and leadership experience at a university with an academic medical center make him perfectly suited for this role,” Susman said. “We look forward to him bringing the skills he’s honed at Florida to our campuses.”

Baxley was selected following a national search. He was interviewed during two days of on-campus meetings with students, faculty and staff.

“I am humbled and honored to be joining the University of South Alabama community,” Baxley said. “It was apparent to me after visiting campus and getting an opportunity to meet some of the students, faculty and staff that this is a special place with energy and enthusiasm that you can sense. I am truly excited to be a part of the shared responsibility of fostering a safe campus environment for everyone in the community.

“We should strive to reduce crime by engaging with our community and working collaboratively to problem-solve before a crime takes place. Once a crime has occurred, we need to have the ability to quickly react in a well-trained and professional way. Just as important, especially in a higher education setting, a department should offer educational training to the community to help foster a safer campus environment.”

Baxley takes over from Phil Fishel, who has served as interim chief of police since June 2022 and will continue with the department. 

“We want to offer a special thanks to Phil Fishel for his leadership of the department and his continued commitment to the safety of all the members of our USA community and visitors,” Susman said. “Phil’s service to South spans more than 20 years, and he will be instrumental in this transition as we welcome Chief Baxley.”

The University of South Alabama Police Department is budgeted for 28 sworn state law enforcement officers who are empowered by legislation to enforce all state and local laws.

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