By
Irene Hsiao
Arizona Daily Wildcat
New UAPD chief getting his ears wet on campus
Editor's note: New University of Arizona Police Chief Anthony Daykin took over last Monday, replacing interim Kevin Haywood who served during the summer. Former chief Harry Hueston left for a teaching position at Texas A & M University after serving for three years. Daykin shared his initial plans and thoughts with the Arizona Daily Wildcat.
Wildcat: What's your opinion on working with UA students, faculty and staff?
Daykin: I think it's an advantage I'm looking forward to. Once I get my feet on the ground here, my style of leadership is to get out and observe and interact with the officers and go on patrol with the officers. It will be my goal to become as familiar as I can with the issues, people and everything else that affects the community.
W: Do you have any recommendations and precautions for students during the first week of school?
D: We have all kinds of pamphlets and publications on all kinds of topics. The advice I'd give to people is take care of your personal affects, yourself and take advantage of the education and programs available. Keep in mind why you're here, and enjoy yourself and other people want to do the same. If anyone has any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to make contact with us.
W: You've been working for the Tucson Police Department for 28 years. Which position did you enjoy the most?
D: I feel very fortunate to have enjoyed all the jobs I've had for the past 28 years. I think it primarily falls into two categories. One, I choose to enjoy things because I think life is more enjoyable that way. Two, I recognized the value of each assignment and the contribution it made to the overall goals of the police department.
W: What is the relationship like between TPD and UAPD? What sort of relationship do you see for the future?
D: I think the two agencies have always had a good cooperative relationship. I'm confident the relationship will be better now. I based that on my personal relationship with TPD and conversation with TPD Chief Richard Miranda. The UAPD officers work really well with the TPD officers. We're in the process of installing computers in their (UAPD officers') cars ... to use the capabilities of running license checks, dispatch calls. The officer on the street will be able to do that now. Ultimately, a wealth of information can be stored on these computers. This is relatively new to TPD, too. We've been able to piggy back on that.
W: What are your plans for the UA campus?
D: I don't think I know enough that goes on here to say I have any specific plans. I think the department has an excellent reputation for doing a very good job and it would be premature for me to come in and change things. However, I plan to increase the pro-active activities of the department and increase or further develop the relationships with the people the department serves.
W: What was the selection process like?
D: It was very thorough. It was intense. The process was a long process, it culminated with a day of interviews on campus with various members of university staff and student body.
W: How was your induction ceremony?
D: It was very nicely attended by members of the university and the TPD. The very best thing about it was my wife administering me my oath, she's commissioner of the Superior Court of Pima county, the Honorable Margaret Maxwell.
W: How did you move up to your former position as assistant TPD police chief?
D: It was just a procession through the ranks, at some point in time I decided to be a supervisor instead of a non-supervisor. I took a test to become sergeant, I took a test to become lieutenant, then I was appointed captain and then assistant chief.
W: Do you see any problems with UAPD so far?
D: No, I viewed this department in a very positive way before I got here, nothing has occurred to change my view of the department.
W: UAPD moved into its new facility in March. What do you think of the new facility?
D: It's apparent to me that thought and planning went into the designing and construction of the building. It's very available too, and welcoming to the public.
W: What are your daily duties as UAPD chief?
D: Since I'm new, much of my time is spent meeting people inside and outside the department within the university to be brought up to speed about the issues . . . (I) meet with department heads, deans (and I'm) starting to learn the operation of the police department.
W: Which positive areas which would you like to see continue at the UA?
D: The police department seems to have a good relationship with the university. I want to see that continue and grow. It's essential for a police department to have a good relationship with a community it serves.
