Chief Carlos Kelly has joined the University of the District of Columbia as the Chief of Police/Director of Public Safety. He brings more than 25 years of law enforcement experience to his new role and is well-equipped to address the unique challenges of policing in and around urban campus communities.  

Kelly will lead the Office of Public Safety & Emergency Management (OPSEM), serving as the chief law enforcement officer of OPSEM with responsibility for protecting life and property, preserving peace, maintaining order and directing the enforcement of all federal, state and local laws within the jurisdiction of the university. He will also be responsible for developing strategic goals and objectives for OPSEM, as well as producing the framework through which all security activities, patrol details and daily operations are executed.  

Over the course of his career, Kelly has served in several leadership roles and is highly qualified and proficient in operationalizing safety procedures and security plans within university systems to safeguard administrators, faculty, staff, students and community members. A partial list of his previous roles includes: 

• Commander, Massachusetts University of Arts and Design 
• Chief of Police/Director of Emergency Management, Grambling State University 
• Chief of Police/Director of Public Safety, University of Maryland Eastern Shore 

“I am truly honored to be selected as the University of the District of Columbia’s next chief of police,” Kelly said. “As the saying goes, ‘No one cares how much you know until they know how much you care!’ I truly care about the UDC family and feel privileged that you have entrusted me with maintaining the safety and security of this fine community. I look forward to working with you all.” 

Kelly holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and a master’s in organizational leadership from Rosemont College. He is also currently completing a Ph.D. in public administration from West Chester University.  

Please welcome our new Chief of Police and Director of Public Safety, Mr. Carlos Kelly.