Jennifer Griffin, chief of police and vice president for public safety, has been named Campus Safety Director of the Year by Campus Safety Magazine. 

“It’s truly an honor to be recognized as Campus Safety Director of the Year. This award reflects the incredible work and dedication of the entire Department of Public Safety and the support of Temple University. Together, we’re ensuring that safety is at the heart of everything we do for the Temple and North Philadelphia communities,” Griffin said. 

This is Campus Safety Magazine’s 18th annual Director of the Year awards, which garnered almost 200 submissions from across the country. Judges then narrowed it down to just 11 finalists before selecting Griffin as one of two co-winners. 

“Her dedication to proactive measures and collaborative efforts has set a benchmark for campus safety initiatives across the higher education landscape,” the magazine wrote about Griffin.

Griffin began her tenure at Temple in August 2022. Over the last three years, she has launched a Park and Walks safety initiative; provided university police officers with updated equipment, like vests, tasers, radios and patrol vehicles; implemented an AI gun detection system— the first of its kind at a university in the region; deployed license plate reading cameras; reorganized and enhanced the department; secured over $2 million of grants to fund recruitment, retention, training and technology advancements; created the Student Safety Advisory Committee; built a new Communications Center; started a student-police ride along program; and much more.   

“Chief Griffin leads with a clear sense of purpose. She sees herself as having both the opportunity and responsibility to be a force for positive change in North Philadelphia, and I’m proud to stand alongside her and be part of the team,” said Captain of Patrol Operations James Hennigan. 
 
Griffin also has the support of university leadership.  

“Chief Griffin being recognized as Campus Safety Director of the Year is well-deserved, and we are proud to have her guiding our university public safety," said David Boardman, Temple's interim provost. "Chief Griffin's dedication to both building trust and strengthening community partnerships is making Temple a safer place for everyone." 

“Dr. Griffin’s unwavering commitment to our students, mission and community is what truly sets her apart. We are so fortunate to have her leadership and service to Temple,” said Kathryn Peach D’Angelo, Temple University’s associate vice president and chief of staff.
 
In addition to Griffin’s Campus Safety Director of the Year nomination, Griffin was selected earlier this year for two notable roles within the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), a global police nonprofit organization that works to advance the policing profession through advocacy, research, outreach and education. She was both appointed to the board of directors of the organization and elected as the educational chair of the University and College Police Section within the IACP—putting her in a unique position to be a voice for college campuses across the country.  

“IACP is leading the way in progressing law enforcement throughout the world. Sharing ideas and collaborating with law enforcement agencies from across the globe will make a real difference in all our communities. My goal in these roles is to represent our department, universities and colleges, and the profession of law enforcement in the highest regards. It’s a true honor to be appointed and elected,” Griffin said.  

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