After 14 years serving the Pullman community, WSU Chief of Police Gary Jenkins prepares for retirement while Assistant Chief Dawn Daniels is set to take over.
In 2022, Jenkins took over as the Chief of Police for the WSU Police Department. In the 12 years prior, Jenkins gained experience and connections within the community as the Chief of Police for the Pullman Police Department.
Looking back over his years within the community, Jenkins said changes in organizational culture, increasing transparency in the community were some of his most notable accomplishments. Jenkins spoke highly of his team within the department and the support he has received from WSU leadership.
Set to take over as the next chief is Dawn Daniels, the current assistant chief of WSU PD. Jenkins said the decision was made based on Daniels’ relationships within the community, partnerships across campus and leadership within the organization.
“I felt comfortable retiring knowing that the department would be in good hands under her leadership,” Jenkins said.
Assistant Chief Daniels has been with WSU PD since 1998, joining after graduating from WSU. Going on her 27th year with the department, she has held positions as a corporal, sergeant, administrative sergeant and her current role as assistant chief.
“To me, it’s that community effort in working with students, in particular, [seeing] students become successful,” she said.
She also noted the importance of the department’s work in leading students down the right path and helping them to grow from their mistakes.
Like many departments across campus, university budget constraints have caused issues within WSU PD. Daniels hopes to tackle budget issues, along with continuing to grow trust and transparency within the community during her time as chief.
Because of Daniels’ extensive experience within the department, she feels confident that she is ready to tackle any issue that comes her way.
“I know who to go to to ask for help, and I’m not afraid to do that,” Daniels said.
Chief Jenkins feels confident in Daniels as he passes the torch, and said he looks forward to spending more time with family in his retirement.
The search to fill the assistant chief vacancy will begin soon. A search committee will be established, and the committee will consider both inside and outside applicants.
