When classes resume this fall, NIU administrators say they hope to have to someone new running the campus police department. Plans for a national search were announced Tuesday. The need for a new department leader arose after the university fired Don Grady back in February.At the time of his firing, Grady was at the center of allegations of police misconduct in a high-profile rape case.
Despite the recent scandal, vice president for public safety Bill Nicklas says it's an attractive position.
"We have taken some steps in recent months to elevate the department's policies, and I think we're in line with the best practices of the profession now for campus law enforcement" Nicklas said.
Nicklas says they're looking for someone who is a leader, a teacher, and a diplomat.
Nicklas adds that the search process will be very inclusive.
"We're gonna have all the campus divisions represented on the stakeholder groups, or on the search committee, or both. We will also look to be inclusive when it comes to local law enforcement" Nicklas said.
The university is expected to hire a consulting firm to help with the search process. Nicklas says they hope to begin interviewing candidates in July.