The University of Texas has appointed a new chief for its police department following the abrupt resignation of the former police chief, Eve Stephens. Assistant Chief Shane Streepy steps into the role effective immediately, succeeding Stephens who had served as chief since July 2023. As reported by the Austin American-Statesman, the reason for Stephens' resignation was not disclosed.
Streepy brings experience from a 21-year stint with the Austin Police Department before joining UTPD, during which, he led specialized units and worked on joint task forces with federal agencies. “It is an honor and a privilege to be named chief of police at this world-class institution,” Streepy said in a news announcement by the university. UT President Jay Hartzell underscored the importance of a community-centric approach to law enforcement, as reported by KVUE.
Amid a wave of leadership changes within the University of Texas, Streepy is not the only one stepping into a new role. Captain Christopher Miller has been promoted as the new assistant chief, working alongside Assistant Chief Ashley Griffin. Lt. Eric Johanson, with significant credentials including a top award from the UT System Police Academy and experience with the U.S. Army, has been promoted to captain.
The department's update comes in the wake of controversies, most notably the handling of pro-Palestinian protests in April which led to 136 arrests, provoking criticism of the department's policing methods. However, all criminal trespassing charges from these arrests were ultimately dismissed. Streepy is set to become the seventh chief of the department, established in 1968, and will oversee more than 100 police officers and 46 other employees. The department's primary jurisdiction covers the campus and adjacent areas, and it operates under the oversight of UT's Vice President for Legal Affairs, Amanda Cochran-McCall, according to the Austin American-Statesman.
