University of Arizona Police Department Cmdr. Brian Seastone was appointed to the position of chief of police for UAPD on Saturday.
His appointment as chief was announced in a press release from the office of UA President Ann Weaver Hart on Monday. Seastone previously served in UAPD administration as the UA’s Emergency Preparedness manager and as part of the UA’s Campus Emergency Response team. He also provides training on the National Incident Management System and Incident Command System for the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the State of Arizona Department of Emergency Management.
Seastone earned a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University, according to the press release. In 2003, he completed the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy training course.
Greg Byrne, athletic director, said the committee to find candidates for chief was formed by Hart and James Hyatt, UA interim senior vice president for business affairs and chief financial officer, following former police chief Anthony Daykin’s retirement announcement in August 2013.
Byrne, who headed the selection committee, said that during the selection process, Seastone’s name came up multiple times. Byrne said that each time the committee spoke to Seastone, he was able to communicate ideas to make UAPD stronger. Seastone’s affiliation with the UA was a factor in his selection as a final candidate, according to Byrne.
“That was a positive thing for him, to have an understanding of our university and campus environment, as well as having worked as part of a college police department,” Byrne said.
Taylor Ashton, a political science junior and an ASUA presidential candidate, was part of the search committee. Ashton said that Hart worked closely with the committee and was very clear with them about her expectations of UAPD.
“I think he’s going to be a great partner for faculty and for our university community as whole,” Ashton said. “I’m really excited for him.”
Sgt. Fil Barrera, public information officer for UAPD, has worked with Seastone since 1998. He said that students should anticipate improvements to the department. Barrera said that Seastone has more than 30 years of experience and that he has held almost every position in the department.
“He is definitely a leader,” Barrera said. “He definitely knows campus law enforcement. He is also very skilled in emergency management, preparation and recovery.”
As police chief, Seastone will report to Hyatt. His responsibilities as chief will relate to his earlier work with emergency preparedness, as well as participation in the UA Executive Policy Group
