Clements Named Head of Public Safety at Brown, Former Chief Settles With University

Clements Named Head of Public Safety at Brown, Former Chief Settles With University

 

Former Providence Police  Col. Hugh T. Clements Jr. has been appointed vice president for public safety and emergency management and chief of police at Brown University.

 

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As Clements takes over, the previous  Brown Police Chief, Rodney Chatman, has agreed to a settlement with the University.

 

Chatman was in charge during the mass shooting in December and he and President Christine Paxson were heavily criticized for the security preparation and response to the incident.

 

Clements served a 38-year career with the Providence Police Department, including 12 years as chief of police, and directed the federal Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) for the U.S. Department of Justice. At Brown, he will lead the Department of Public Safety and Emergency Management (DPSEM), a fully functioning police department that patrols the Brown campus to protect safety, deter crime, build community relationships and respond to calls for assistance.

 

“Chief Clements brings an extraordinary combination of Rhode Island law enforcement leadership, national policy experience and a deep commitment to community-centered policing that position him to effectively lead public safety efforts at Brown,” Paxson and Latham wrote. “Over an accomplished four-decade career, he has consistently advanced innovative, data-driven strategies that build trust while enhancing safety.”

 

According to Brown, as vice president and chief of police, Clements will be responsible for setting direction for University-wide initiatives that promote campus well-being, safety, and security, while ensuring DPSEM services are delivered at the highest standards of professionalism, accountability, and operational excellence. The role supports the physical safety of the campus community and university assets, strengthens institutional resilience, and is responsible for advancing business continuity in the face of known and emerging risks. The work includes preparedness, education, inspection programs and coordinated emergency response.

 

A central responsibility is serving as a visible and engaged leader across campus and within the Providence community, actively partnering with students, faculty and staff to build trust and strengthen relationships, while also collaborating closely with local, city, and state public safety partners. Through regular engagement, the leader in the role helps to identify opportunities to enhance policies, programs and practices that support a safe and welcoming campus environment.