Virginia Commonwealth University Police Chief to transition to new role

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Virginia Commonwealth University’s (VCU) Police Chief and Associate Vice President for Public Safety will transition to a new role soon.

The university released in a statement that VCU Police Chief and Associate Vice President for Public Safety, John Venuti will be soon transitioning to the role of Associate Vice President for Emergency Services and Public Safety.

According to VCU, the new role will provide strategic leadership for VCU and VCU Health in areas such as emergency management, crisis planning, continuity of operations, law enforcement and security services, as well as public safety business operations.

Venuti has dedicated over 40 years of public service in Richmond and at VCU, with the university saying that his efforts have transformed into campus safety leadership.

VCU stated, “Expanding VCU’s emergency and crisis response efforts under John’s leadership has been underway for some time, though John has graciously continued to serve as VCU’s police chief longer than planned. During that time, he has led the university, health system and VCU Police through unprecedented events.”

Venuti will still continue to serve in the role of VCU Police Chief until the position is filled.

A nationwide search will begin this week to find a new chief of police to manage the daily operations of campus safety at VCU, and the university said it may take several months to find the most qualified candidate. The new VCU Police Chief will report to Venuti.

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