Chief Allan A.C. Griffith III, is UDC's new Chief of Police/Director of Public Safety. With over 30 years of law enforcement experience, Griffith will oversee the Office of Public Safety & Emergency Management (OPSEM) and serve as its top law enforcement official.
In his new role, Griffith will safeguard the campus community, uphold public order, and ensure compliance with federal, state and local laws across university grounds. He will also lead the development of OPSEM’s strategic direction, guiding the planning and execution of security operations, patrols and daily public safety functions.
Griffith began his career as a lifeguard for DC Recreation before joining the U.S. Park Police in 1990. Over 26 years, he rose to the rank of Lieutenant, serving in patrol, aviation, communications and executive leadership roles, including as commander of Internal Affairs and executive officer to the Chief of Police.
Following his retirement in 2016, Griffith held leadership positions with the Georgetown University and George Washington University police departments, focusing on officer training, emergency preparedness and community outreach. He is also a professional standards coordinator and drill instructor for the Consortium of Universities’ Campus Public Safety Institute.
“I am extremely excited to begin my service here at UDC,” Griffith said. “I hold a warm spot for UDC, as my maternal grandmother, who raised me, attended Miner Teachers College in the early 1930s. She remained a proud alumna all her life.”
He added, “I can hardly wait to roll up my sleeves and start the work.”
Reflecting further on his connection to the university, Griffith noted, “As a result of my seven-year affiliation with The Campus Public Safety Institute—which, for the past two years, has utilized space on the Van Ness campus—I have gotten to know several of the UDC police officers and supervisors. I’ve been encouraged by their gracious welcome. We are committed to embracing the strategies I intend to employ in support of Dr. Edington's vision to create a premier educational institution serving the citizens of the District of Columbia.”
Looking ahead, Griffith expressed his commitment to collaboration, saying he is eager to work “for and with” the UDC community.
“After 30 years in law enforcement, it is truly a unique full-circle moment for me to be able to give back to the city I have proudly called home my entire life,” he said.
Griffith holds a bachelor’s degree from Washington Adventist University and a master’s from Georgetown University.