Matt Carmichael has been confirmed as chief of police at the University of California, Davis, the position that he has held on an interim basis since April 2012.

"In the past two years, Matt Carmichael has earned wide respect on and off campus and made significant changes to strengthen the department and its relations with the rest of the campus," Chancellor Linda P. B. Katehi said. "I'm delighted to announce that Matt will be staying in this role."

UC Davis conducted a national search and competitive recruitment process for the position. As chief of police, Carmichael reports to Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Ralph J. Hexter, who led the recruitment effort.

"We were determined to find the best person we could to fill this position. We had a rigorous search with excellent candidates, and in the end Matt emerged clearly as our top choice," Hexter said.

Carmichael became acting chief on Nov. 21, 2011, after then-Chief Annette Spicuzza was placed on administrative leave, and was sworn in as interim chief the following April.

Carmichael said he was humbled by the offer to become permanent chief.

"I look forward to working with the community and my department. It is my honor to serve the greater UC Davis community and lead the amazing members of the UC Davis Police Department," he said.

Among the steps Carmichael has taken as interim chief at UC Davis:

With input from students, faculty and staff, overhauled the department's policy manual in line with national standards

Implemented community-based hiring, so that the campus community has a greater voice in selection of new police officers

Created a Student Advisory Council to strengthen links between the department and students

Set up a cadet program for students, hiring some graduating cadets as new UC Davis police officers

Worked with the community to set up a civilian oversight board to review complaints.

Carmichael has spent almost 30 years in law enforcement, starting with the Pinole Police Department in 1985, and joined UC Davis in 2002 as a lieutenant. He holds a bachelor's degree in criminal justice management from Union Institute & University and an associate’s degree in administration of justice from Napa Valley College.

In his 12 years with the UC Davis Police Department, he has been responsible for patrol operations on the Davis campus and served as public information officer. He has managed the K-9 Program, Property and Evidence, Bike Unit, Crime Prevention, Crime Analysis, Detective Unit, Field Training Officer Program and Hostage Negotiations Team.

He has received the chief’s Appreciation Award and the Calvin E. Handy Leadership Award, named after a former police chief.

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