Chiefs of Police

UT Arlington

UT Medical Branch - Galveston

UT Pan American

UT Austin

UT at Houston

UT Permian Basin

UT Brownsville

UT Health Science Center San Antonio

UT San Antonio

UT Dallas

UT Southwestern Medical Center

UT Tyler

UT El Paso

UT Health Science Center Tyler

William Adcox

UT at Houston

William Adcox has served as the Chief of Police and Chief Security Officer for the University of Texas at Houston Police Department (UTPD) since 2004.  The UTPD protects the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston and The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. Adcox is very proud to lead the UTPD staff with responsibility spanning law enforcement, security and personal safety services provided by police officers, professional civilians and technical system providers. Since 1994, the UTPD has been CALEA accredited, receiving its fifth reaccreditation in 2011 as a “Meritorious” law enforcement agency. Additionally, UTPD was reaccredited by the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators (IACLEA) in 2011 and has received Texas Police Chief’s Association Law Enforcement Best Practices Recognition.

Chief Adcox is a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, Texas Police Chief’s Association, American Society of Industrial Security (ASIS), and ASIS Chief Security Officer (CSO) Roundtable, International Association for Healthcare Safety and Security and Police Executive Research Forum. He serves as a member of the UT Health Science Center at Houston Leadership Council and ASIS CSO Roundtable Leadership and Development Committee. His experience includes 5 years as Chief of Police at the University of Texas at El Paso and 21 years with the City of El Paso Police Department that culminated as Deputy Chief. He holds a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Texas at El Paso and is a graduate of the Police Executive Research Forum’s Senior Management Institute for Police and the Wharton School ASIS Program for Security Executives. He has been published in the International Association of Chiefs of Police Magazine, Managing Security Today, Law Enforcement Executive Forum, and the Journal of Healthcare Protection Management and has presented at the International Association of Police Chief’s Annual Conferences on various professional topics.

Steve Barrera

UT San Antonio

Chief of Police Steve Barrera was hired as the UTSA Chief of Police on 1 May 2010.  Chief Barrera recently retired from the San Antonio Police Department as Deputy Chief – where he served as the Investigations and Service and Support Division Commander.  During the span of his 30 year career in SAPD, Chief Barrera held a diverse range of positions as he advanced through the ranks, including Patrol, Investigations and Administrative positions.  Chief Barrera has a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Criminal Justice from The University of Texas at San Antonio, where he also taught in the Criminal Justice Department as an Adjunct Faculty member.  He received his Master’s degree in Public Administration from Texas State University.  He is also a former Adjunct Professor of Public Administration at Wayland Baptist University.   

Thomas Bickers

UTSWMC Dallas

Thomas Bickers serves as the Chief of Police of a 150-person police department serving a community of approximately 4200 students and 10,000 faculty and staff, including a major hospital as well as traditional academic community with a day time population of 75,000 persons. Chief Bickers serves as key advisor to the President and Executive Vice-President of The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas on Police Department issues impacting them and develops acceptable solutions to problems.  He acts as the primary representative of the Police Department at meetings/conferences concerning law enforcement/security programs and issues.  Directs police operations/personnel conducting investigations, evidence evaluation and accountability procedures. Directs the handling of bomb threats, civil disorder, and VIP security programs and develops policies and procedures.  Responsible for analyzing and organizing work assignments or functions to improve efficiency of the organization and protective services provided.  Supervises the law enforcement staff through subordinate police supervisors performing the various police functions.  Provides leadership in the development of the law enforcement organizational structure/operating methods/procedures.  Responsible for the hiring’s and terminations of police department staff.  Responsible for a 6 million dollar budget.

John Cardoza

UT Brownsville

Chief John Cardoza holds a Bachelor's degree from The University of Texas Pan American - Edinburg. He Joined UTB/TSC in October 1992. As the University’s Chief of Police, Chief Cardoza is responsible for preventing and protecting the institution and from serious threats. Prior to joining the University, John served as Chief of Police for the City of Los Fresnos. Before holding that position he served as interim Chief of Police for the City of San Benito.

Robert Cromley

UTHC Tyler

Robert Cromley's law enforcement career began with the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School  in Dallas as a Cadet.  He attended the UT System Police Academy and graduated in 1979 and returned to the campus as a police officer.  Chief Cromley left the UT System and entered municipal policing at a small department in Hawkins, Texas where he served  in a patrol officer capacity , patrol sergeant, and was promoted to Chief of Police.  He left Hawkins Police Department in 1984 for an opportunity in private business.
Chief Cromley re-entered law enforcement in 1987 with the Upshur County Sheriff’s Office serving as a Jailer and a patrol officer.  His tenure at the Sheriff’s Office afforded him many opportunities to forward his career and education.  He served as patrol deputy, patrol sergeant, and as Lieutenant/Jail Administrator.  During his assignment as Lieutenant/Jail Administrator a new county jail facility was opened and a 3 million dollar renovation to the facility was completed enabling the housing of federal prisoners and increasing the county jail inmate population to 150.  Chief Cromley served in the Lieutenant/Jail Administrator position for 12 years and then transferred into the Criminal Investigations Division and was the lead investigator for the unit.  He formed the county wide SWAT team and was in charge of firearms training and SWAT team training for the Sheriffs’ Office and also assisted other law enforcement agencies in the county in firearms training. 
Chief Cromley completed his Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice at the University of Texas at Tyler in 2004.  He was fortunate during his tenure at the Sheriff’s Office to attend many specialized training classes relative to jail administration and criminal investigations.  He left Upshur County in December 2004 and accepted the position of Chief Deputy with the Wood County Sheriff’s Office and completed a re-organization of the Department.  He accepted the Chief of Police position at UT Health Science Center in Tyler in August of 2005 and is proud to serve the Health Science Center and the UT System Police. 
Chief Cromley resides along with his wife of 25 years, Denise, in Big Sandy, Texas.  They have two boys, one is a Texas State Trooper stationed in Wood County and the other is a Communications Officer with the Upshur County Sheriff’s Office pursuing his degree in Criminal Justice. 

Robert Dahlstrom

UT Austin

Robert Eric Dahlstrom was appointed Chief of Police at The University of Texas at Austin, on March 20th, 2006.   He has been a resident of the Austin area all of his life. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from Southwest Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas, in 1977. He and his wife, Debbie, have two children, both of whom graduated from Texas A&M University. 

Chief Dahlstrom became an intern with the Austin Police Department in 1976. The following year, he joined the 57th cadet class to become a commissioned police officer.  Later, he became an Assistant Chief of Police; and, in 2005, promoted to Chief of Staff. He retired from the Austin Police Department in 2006. 

He has attended the Graduate Management Institute Program, Sam Houston State University, Bill Blackwood Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas, and graduated in 2003. He also attended the FBI Command College in San Antonio.  

Since his arrival at The University of Texas Police Department, the department has received Accreditation with CALEA (July 2007) and IACLEA (June 2008).   The Chief’s position is under the direction of Dr. Pat Clubb, Vice President for Employee and Campus Services.  He reports to Dr. Gerald Harkins, Associate Vice President of Campus Safety and Security.

He is currently a member of the TCLEOSE Advisory Board for System Police; IACLEA Accreditation Commission; Police Executive Research Forum (PERF); International Association Chief’s of Police; Texas Association of College and Universities Police Association (TACUPA); and, Texas Municipal Police Chief’s Association.

He has served as a guest speaker at numerous classes in The University of Texas and has been on national web-cam panels regarding campus safety.  

“Attitude, A positive attitude is a powerful force”

Thomas E. Engells

UT Medical Branch Galveston

Chief Engells is a Texas Master Peace Officer with a Bachelor degree with honors from The University of Texas at Austin; a Masters in Criminal Justice Management from the Sam Houston State University; and a Masters in Homeland Security and Defense from the Naval Postgraduate School.
With extensive experience in policing, he served at all ranks at The University of Texas at Houston from 1983-2010 and was the Assistant Chief of Police and Chief of Staff from 2005-2010.  He is both an assessor and team leader for the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies and a facilitator and assessor for the Texas Police Best Practices Recognition Program.
A widely published author, he writes extensively on homeland security issues, Biosecurity, ethics, leadership and police administration. He serves as a reviewer for the Certificate of Achievement in Service Efforts and
His primary responsibilities as the Chief of Police at UTMB Health include the delivery of comprehensive police and progressive security services at this academic health center and the Galveston National Laboratory. Chief Engells is a licensed Certified Protection Professional by American Society of Industrial Security and is a Certified Public Manager.

"Do what you can, with what you have, where you are."

Theodore Roosevelt

Tommy Hain

UT Permian Basin

Chief Hain moved his family, wife and two sons, to Odessa where he joined the Odessa Police Department.  During his tenure with Odessa PD, he served in the Community Relations Bureau supporting Community Policing initiatives and teaching the D.A.R.E. program in schools from 1992-1998.
He then moved to the Ector County School District where he continued in Community Policing and taught the Gang Resistance Education and Training Program (G.R.E.A.T.) from 1998-2001.  Chief Hain seized the opportunity to advance his career as the Chief Deputy for the Reagan County Seriff's Office in Big Lake, Texas.
After a short stay in Big Lake, Chief Hain was offered the Chief of Police position in Page, Arizona, where he remained from 2003 until 2008. During his tenure as Chief of Police, he attended the prestigious FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia.  Under his leadership, Page Police Department saw substantial increases in the number of personnel for the department, patrol officers' salaries/training, and updated equipment.

In January 2008, Chief Hain was offered the position of Chief of Police of the UTPB Police Department.  He hopes to bring his 24 years of law enforcement experience to the campus and lead the department through the many changes that are taking place at the University.

Bob Hayes

UT Arlington

Robert B. (Bob) Hayes was appointed Chief of Police of The University of Texas at Arlington Police Department June 1, 2001. Prior to this, Chief Hayes began his law enforcement career with the Beaumont, Texas Police Department and served for 21 years, attaining the rank of Deputy Chief of Police; served as Chief of the DeSoto, Texas Police Department; Chief of the Del City, Oklahoma Police Department; and Chief of the Houston Community College System Police Department. Chief Hayes has served in law enforcement for 44 years. During his career Chief Hayes received his bachelor’s degree in Government from Lamar University and master’s in Criminal Justice Management from Sam Houston State University. Chief Hayes completed the Law Enforcement Executive Program at the University of Colorado, Denver and is a graduate of the F.B.I. National Academy at Quantico, Virginia. While serving as Chief of the DeSoto Police Department the agency achieved Law Enforcement Accreditation through C.A.L.E.A. March 27, 1993; and while serving as Chief of the University of Texas at Arlington Police Department the agency achieved Law Enforcement Accreditation through C.A.L.E.A. November 14, 2006, and Accreditation through I.A.C.L.E.A. April 27, 2011. Chief Hayes holds the Instructor Proficiency Certificate and the Master Peace Officer Certificate issued by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education. Chief Hayes has been an Adjunct Professor in Criminal Justice at San Jacinto Junior College and Houston Community College System; has been a presenter at the Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas (LEMIT); served as a guest instructor at the University of Texas System Basic Police Academy; and has instructed numerous in-service police training courses at DeSoto Police Department, Houston Community College Police Department; Del City, Oklahoma Police Department, and UT Arlington Police Department. Chief Hayes and his wife Brenda have five children and ten grandchildren.

Mike Medders

UT Tyler

Michael Medders became the Chief of Police for the University of Texas at Tyler on October 1, 2005.  He began his law enforcement career for the Palestine, Texas Police Department in 1990, attended the East Texas Police Academy, and graduated Valedictorian of his class.  In 1992, he was voted by his supervisors as the P.R.I.D.E. Patrolman, which is the Department’s Officer of the Year award.  During his first eight years of service, he served as a Patrolman, Patrol Corporal, Patrol Sergeant, and Assistant Commander of the local Narcotics Task Force.   He then served six  years as the Assistant Chief of Police and was the Interim Chief of Police for a period of eight months.

Chief Medders earned his Bachelor of Science degree, majoring in Criminal Justice, from the University of Texas at Tyler, graduating Cum Laude in 1999.   He holds a Master’s Peace Officer Certification and Instructor License through the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Education.

Chief Medders firmly believes that police officers should be and are held to a high standard of conduct.  His favorite quote, as it relates to law enforcement and life, is “You cannot buy integrity.  People who have it will give it to you for free.”

While off duty, Chief Medders enjoys spending time with his family, fishing, riding motorcycles, and coaching his son’s youth football team.

Michael Parks

UTHSC San Antonio

Chief Michael J. Parks became the Chief of Police of the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio on August 26, 2010, after having previously served as Director of Public Safety at Minnesota State University-Moorhead from 2007 to August 2010.  Chief Parks also served as the director of law enforcement at Minnesota West Community College in Worthington for over 4 years.  Prior to his tenured faculty position with Minnesota West he served as a narcotics officer for the Dakota County Drug Task Force in the Minneapolis area and as a patrol officer with the Lakeville, Minnesota Police Department.

Chief Parking holds bachelor degree in Criminal Justice form Metropolitan State University, St. Paul, MN and a master’s degree in Leadership from Concordia University, St. Paul, and is an adjunct faculty member in both undergraduate and graduate executive leadership coursework.  He was awarded the prestigious National Public Safety Director of the Year Award in 2010 by Campus Safety Magazine and the Medal of Honor for Bravery by the Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association in 1999.

Roger Stearns

UT Pan American

Roger Stearns holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville; and has earned credits towards a Master of Arts in Criminal Justice from American Military University, Manassas, Virginia. He has also attended the FBI National Academy, Quantico, VA.

He has been Chief of Police since April of 2009 where he provides leadership to the UTPA Police Department’s combined staff of 54 personnel (20 sworn, 34 non-sworn) in providing general law enforcement services to a campus community of approximately 20,000 (Students, Faculty, and Staff).  In addition to traditional police services, the department oversees parking services for the institution.  He has proactively enhanced the department’s professionalism and relationship with the community through the establishment of partnership programs (Law Enforcement Explorer Post, Citizen’s Police Academy, and UTPA Police Community Advisory Board).  Chief Stearns is a member or the University Sustainability Council, and chair of its Transportation Committee, Member of the Construction and Facilities Planning Committee, Member of the Crisis Management Team and coordinated institution training with campus partners on the Active Shooter Drill, Clery Act Compliance, and Campus Threat Assessment.

Cliff Walsh

UT El Paso

Cliff Walsh has served as the Chief of Police for The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) Police Department since 2005.  Chief Walsh’s responsibilities include the protection of assets and delivery of public safety services within academic, research, sports and entertainment realms. 

The UTEP Police mission is to provide a safe and welcoming environment through effective partnerships with our campus and community stakeholders as we continue to achieve Tier 1 Research status and support the academic success of our 21st century student demographic.   Chief Walsh believes that a leadership philosophy of  “Finding A Way To Yes” is an effective and efficient cornerstone upon which these partnerships are developed and nurtured to bring greater value to the student’s education experience.

His experience includes a 28 year career with the El Paso Police Department where he rose to the position of Commander and served as Deputy Chief.  Chief Walsh possesses a Bachelor of Science degree in Management and a Masters in Business Administration.  He is active in community organizations such as Rotary International, Shriners, and the Advocacy Center for the Children of El Paso. 

Larry Zacharias

UT Dallas

Chief Larry Zacharias started his career in 1977 as a patrol officer for the Richardson, Texas Police Department.  Over the years, he promoted through the ranks and worked in almost every division including Patrol Operations, Criminal Investigations, Narcotic Division, Administrative Services and Internal Affairs.  He served on the Richardson SWAT Unit for ten years and served as the Unit’s Commander for a time.
In 2002, he was appointed Chief of Police.  During his tenure as police chief, he managed a department with 250 employees and a $20 million dollar budget.  He redefined and expanded the Volunteer In Policing Program to over 50 citizen volunteers that worked in every division of the police department.  His VIP Program won the National VIP Award from the International Association of Chiefs of Police in 2008.
Zacharias is a graduate of Sam Houston State University and the F.B.I. National Academy. He serves as an appointee to the Environmental Crimes Committee of the International Association of Chiefs of Police. He is a member of the Texas Police Chiefs Association who honored Zacharias with the Career Achievement Award in 2008. He was named Citizen of the Year in 2009 by the Richardson Chamber of Commerce  Zacharias received the Community Builder Award from the Masonic Grand Lodge of Texas in 2006 and he was named Supervisor of the Year his second year as Chief by the Richardson Police Association. He has been selected as an instructor for the F.B.I.’s International Training Program to instruct foreign police agencies on internal conduct and he has taught the class to police officials from Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay, and 15 Caribbean countries. Zacharias is a graduate of Leadership Richardson Class V, is an ordained Elder and Deacon in the Presbyterian Church and he is active at Northpark Presbyterian Church of Dallas.
Chief Zacharias retired from Richardson on January 31, 2009.  He was appointed the UT Dallas Police Chief on September 27, 2009.  Since his appointment, he has spent a considerable amount of time hiring new personnel and reorganizing the UT Dallas Police Department.  Since beginning with UT Dallas, he has served on the search committee for the new Dean of Students and also for the Associate Vice President of Business Affairs, Human Resources.  Chief Zacharias has become a favorite of student organizations to serve as a volunteer judge for numerous organization competitions.
“I believe that if we hire the right people for the right attitude and then treat those people the very best we can, they will pass that on to those they come into contact with as a representative of the UT Dallas Police Department and the UT Police System.  Who provides the best service, a well-respected, well treated happy employee, or a disgruntled, disrespected unhappy employee?”