New Chief of Police settles in his new nest

Brianna Wallen

News Editor

While there are new faces on campus and a new freshman class, there is also a new addition to the university Police Department. On June 7, Makiem Miller was sworn in as the fourth Chief of Police and Director of Public Safety.  

 Miller, who was born and raised in West Haven, retired in 2016 from the New Haven Police Department where he served 20 years.  

 As a new Owl, Miller spent his time last spring getting acclimated to the university setting.  

“I got time to meet a lot of the faculty and staff, so it was a lot easier to move around, learn the campus, attend some events, attend some meetings,” Miller said. “It was at a much lower pace, which gave me time to adjust a little better.” 

 Despite his recent arrival, Miller is ready to get the ball rolling.  

 “From the inside, we’re looking at hiring. We’re looking to add about three or four men and women to the force, and some promotions from officer to sergeant,” Miller said.  

 These plans also include adding entry-level officers to the police academy and hiring a few lateral officers to the force.  

 Miller also has external plans to enhance the community events.  

“We have a big Trunk or Treat event and sports team events coming up, so we’ll be setting up some community tables, a lot of stuff for just our presence, also for recruitment purposes, and just having that interaction with the community,” Miller said. 

 The university chief places high emphasis on community, as he said that he wants staff and students to have a connection with the department and be aware of their presence on campus.  

 “We want to be invited to things,” Miller said. “We see the same people every day, just like you all see each other every day, so we want to be part of that.”  

 After learning about a new police chief, students are open to meeting him at upcoming events.  

 Business major Juwell Clay, a sophomore, said that she trusts the department regarding her safety.  

 “I haven’t met the new chief yet, but I do. I feel secure that campus police will keep me safe,” Clay said.  

 As Miller adjusts to campus, the department must be acclimated to a wave of change, too. 

 Administrative Assistant for the university Police Department Tonya Nelson is not new to change. Nelson has been in the department on campus for 37 years and has seen many position changes.  

 Nelson said that the department is still in the transition process.  

 “We’re getting used to how he likes things, and he’s getting used to how things run here,” Nelson said.  

 The administrative assistant said that she hopes the department continues to flourish under the new chief.  

 “I hope the department continues to grow under his leadership because we’ve come a long way from when I first started working here, and we’re going in the right direction,” Nelson said.  

 With confidence from Nelson and Miller, it is exciting to see what the future holds for the department and university. 

 “I feel very confident that it’s going to be a good year,” Miller said.  

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