Robert Neumann has been appointed police chief of the U-M Police Department.
Neumann, most recently a lieutenant with the UMPD, was selected from more than 150 applicants. A graduate of Madonna University, he has served at U-M since 1985 and was one of the original six police officers hired when the university created a sworn police force in 1990. He was promoted to lieutenant in 1999.
“Bob’s years of successful experience in working with many campus leaders, students and other law enforcement agencies, as well as managing several units within the UMPD, contributed to his strong candidacy for this position,” said Eddie Washington Jr., executive director of the Division of Public Safety and Security.
“I admire that Bob consistently provides proven integrity and fairness to every situation — whether with a complex criminal investigation, encounter with sports fans, management of student concerns or nomination of staff members for achievement awards.”
As the police chief effective immediately, Neumann will be responsible for assuming a leadership role in a community-focused service delivery model and application of policies and procedures for crime prevention, loss prevention and law enforcement at U-M.
“I am humbled and honored to accept this opportunity,” Neumann said. “Having worked in the department since before it became a sworn police agency, I’ve participated in an incredible transformation of safety and security services at the university.
“This is a wonderful community in which to work. Personally, I’ve learned many invaluable lessons from each of the previous department directors and look forward to continuing to evolve our department’s community responsibilities to most effectively serve our students, faculty, staff, patients and visitors.”
Neumann is a graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy and Eastern Michigan University’s School of Police Staff and Command. Additionally, he holds the position of Civil Air Patrol captain, serving as personnel officer and professional development officer with the Willow Run Composite Squadron, and is a member of the Ann Arbor Transportation Authority Accident Review Board.
