University of Utah Chief Safety Officer Keith Squires announced a new deputy chief safety officer of police services. Longtime law enforcement leader Scott Carver will join the department on Feb. 16.

“Scott Carver is a law enforcement and corrections professional with demonstrated success and extensive experience,” Squires wrote in an email to U Department of Public Safety staff on Jan. 18. “I’m excited about the team we have assembled as we continue to grow and develop into one of the finest public safety agencies in higher education.”

Carver’s appointment completes Squires’ restructuring and updating of the department—including a $14 million, victim-centric public safety building; an extensive review of policies and procedures; and the appointment of a new deputy chief safety officer of support services, Kimberly Barnett. The whole effort is informed by the department leadership’s ongoing listening tour and campus outreach.

“This is a strategic effort to lay the foundations for a cohesive department that works well with its campus partners, communicating and collaborating to make the university a safe place for our students, faculty and staff,” Squires said.

Carver started his law enforcement career as an Ogden beat cop in 1975. He worked most of his career, from 1987 to 2007, at the Utah Department of Corrections, including working as a parole officer and prison warden, and from 2004 to 2007, as department director. Carver then spent a decade as undersheriff at the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office/Unified Police Department, before joining the Utah Attorney General’s Office in 2019 as the director of training. Carver also was an adjunct professor of criminal justice at Weber State University from 2002 to 2007. Carver’s father was a police officer; his mother was a nurse.

“My parents both taught me to love and respect all people and to help anyone who needs help. I love law enforcement and public service for the opportunity to help those who are helpless and defend those who are defenseless,” Carver said. “We are all trying to accomplish the same goals. We can only do that if we all support each other.”

Noting the restructuring and rebuilding Squires has started, Carver added, “We are fully aware of the failures of the past and use those memories to drive us forward to create an organization of excellence, regain the trust of the community and enhance our own personal professionalism.”

“I value the University of Utah’s efforts to nurture a community that fosters equity, inclusion, diversity and great potential,” he said. “We will continue to work to include everyone in keeping a safe campus as safety is everyone’s responsibility. We become better when we all join together for everyone’s benefit.”

University of Utah safety operations started in 1944 with two to three “night watchmen.” In 1966, a separate security department was created. Then in 1970, on the recommendation of a presidential committee, the first Department of Public Safety was formed, combining campus police, traffic, parking, protective services and special investigations. The current department now also includes 24/7 victim advocates, emergency management, campus security, U of U Health security, Clery Act compliance and RBIRT incident response. Currently, the Department of Public Safety has 235 employees, including 47 post-certified officers, 42 campus security officers and 114 hospital security officers.

Carver’s new deputy position will absorb and share the traditional responsibilities of police chief with Squires. Interim Police Chief Jason Hinojosa will remain in the department as a police division captain.

Squires thanked Hinojosa for his service throughout the restructuring process. “I especially appreciate Jason Hinojosa’s dedication to our team and outstanding service during this transition,” Squires said. “I am grateful to have him continuing to serve in a key leadership position.”

The Department of Public Safety’s organizational structure can be found here.