Brown Places Chatman on Leave, Taps Former Providence Chief Clements

Brown Places Chatman on Leave, Taps Former Providence Chief Clements

 

Brown University has announced major changes to its public safety department.

Brown Vice President Rodney Chatman has been placed on leave, and former Providence Police Chief Hugh Clements will serve as the interim Vice President for public safety.

GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST

Clements said he began working today.

The University announced a review amid pressure. The U.S. Department of Education announced on Monday that it has opened an investigation, and at least one member of Congress is calling for congressional hearings.

 

 

Brown announced regarding its own review, “A review like this is standard. As it takes place, Vice President for Public Safety and Emergency Management Rodney Chatman is on leave, effective immediately. We have engaged Hugh T. Clements, former chief of police of the Providence Police Department, to serve as interim vice president for Public Safety and chief of police while Vice President Chatman is on leave. In his interim role, Interim Vice President Clements will oversee the After-Action Review and assume day-to-day leadership of the department.”

 

“Chief Clements is nationally regarded for his expertise in community-oriented policing, having served as director of the federal Office of Community Oriented Policing Services for the U.S. Department of Justice. He also is a former member of the Brown community after serving as a visiting fellow at the Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs for more than four and a half years from 2018 to 2023. He will report directly to me during his interim leadership of the department. This underscores our commitment to clear accountability, leadership continuity and a sustained focus on campus safety at a time when safety is a critical part of healing and recovery for our community.”