NEWS

CMU Police Chief announces retirement plans

CMU prepares to search for department’s next chief of police

| Author: Ari Harris | Media Contact: Aaron Mills

Larry Klaus, chief of the Central Michigan University Police Department, is ready to spend some quality time with his grandkids. As he retires from a law enforcement career spanning four decades, Klaus said he is ready to pass the baton to the next generation of leadership. The university is preparing to search for his successor.

A police officer in uniform sits in front of a blue background“CMU PD is comprised of police professionals who are trained, talented and mission-focused on keeping our campus community safe,” Klaus said. “I know I am leaving the team in a good place for its next leader.”

Klaus joined the CMU Police Department in April 2011 as police lieutenant. Prior to CMU, Klaus held roles as a Patrol Officer for the Charter Township of Plymouth and retired as a Police Lieutenant from the Lansing Police Department, both in Michigan. 

His interest in a career with law enforcement began in the early 1980s when he was mentored by James Stanley, a deputy from the St. Clair County Sherriff’s department. In 2019, when Klaus was appointed chief of police at CMU, retired deputy Stanley was onsite to present the new badge of office.

During his six-year tenure as chief of police at CMU, Klaus said the department has achieved several notable milestones and overcome significant obstacles. These include:

  • The celebration of the Police Department’s 50th anniversary.
  • Navigating the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic on a campus that maintained residential options to serve students on campus.
  • Stabilizing turnover through the recruitment, training and retention of new officers.
  • Focusing on professional development for the team and strengthening collaborative partnerships on campus and with area law enforcement agencies.
  • Increasing emphasis on campus safety, with strategic investments in the deployment of new technologies.
  • Supporting the university’s Emergency Management and preparedness efforts.

As he prepares to step away to begin retirement, Klaus said leaving will be bittersweet.

“This is a special place. There are people here who care deeply about CMU’s mission and for our students,” he said. “I will miss the campus community. I owe a debt of gratitude for all CMU has offered to me and my family, but I am confident in our team, and I know CMU will select a leader that will continue to build on our positive momentum.”

Selecting the next CMU Police Chief

Mary Hill, vice president for finance and administrative services and chief financial officer, has appointed a committee to lead the search for the university’s next chief of police. 

Jonathan Webb, associate vice president of facilities management, will chair the search committee. Other members of the committee are:

  • Jeffrey Ballard, sergeant, CMU Police Department
  • Tangela Cheatham, deputy athletic director, CMU Athletics
  • Adam Epstein, faculty member, Department of Finance and Law
  • Eltaro Hooper, senior director and deputy Title IX Coordinator, Office of Civil Rights and Institutional Equity
  • Aaron Mills, director of communications, University Communications
  • Michelle Veith, interim director, Office of Residence Life

Cali Clark, director of employment and compensation, and Allie Strong, senior human resources consultant, will serve as ex officio committee members and represent Human Resources, and Mitchel Hartman, administrative assistant for finance and administrative services, will provide administrative support for the search.

The search process will begin immediately, and there will be opportunities for the university community to participate in a review of finalists later in the year.

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