For the last three months, James Slapp has assumed the position of Interim Director of Public Safety & Chief of Police for the University Police Department.

On March 29, 2022, the Coordinator of University Communications & Media Relations, Pamela McCabe, forwarded a university-wide email to announce this change in the University Police Department.

“I am writing to announce that Chief Kelli Smith is moving on from the University Police Department, effective Friday, April 1,” read the beginning of the email from David Vazquez, the Vice President for Administrative Services and Finance.

Slapp has worked for UPD for almost 15 years. Before joining UPD, he retired from the City of Naples as the Deputy Chief of Police after over 22 years.

“I was actually scheduled to retire in May, and I agreed to put off my retirement to stay as interim chief for the next year,” Slapp said.

A nationwide search will be happening towards the end of the year to look for a permanent police chief.

“There will be some overlap, so I can train or get the new chief up to speed on some things with the department before I actually retire,” Slapp said.