UW-Green Bay Captain Tony Decker named the next University Chief of Police
Sheryl Van Gruensven, CBO and senior vice chancellor for University Strategy, is pleased to announce that Captain Tony Decker has been appointed the next UW-Green Bay police chief effective Dec. 16, 2021. Decker succeeds Police Chief David Jones who will be retiring on Dec. 15, 2021. UW-Green Bay’s police chief is responsible for leading the UW-Green Bay Police Department and ensuring that essential law enforcement, security and emergency services are readily available and effectively provided to the campus community. The chief also advises the institution regarding University-wide strategies to prevent crime and enhance the safety and security of our community, as well as leading the department’s response to major university emergencies and life-threatening situations.
Tony Decker joined the UW-Green Bay Police Department in 2011 and currently oversees the administrative operations of the department, serves as the investigative supervisor, and has launched several major projects including the implementation of a digital records management system and the implementation of body-worn cameras.
“Tony’s experience with both small and large municipal police departments and his nine years in higher education gives him a unique perspective on law enforcement and will further enhance the department’s focus on community policing,” said Van Gruensven. “Tony and the UW-Green Bay Police Department will continue to be an outstanding partner with the Division of University Inclusivity and Student Affairs to align goals and direction.”
Vice Chancellor for Inclusivity and Student Affairs Corey King, stated, “Captain Decker’s appointment as our next chief of police provides continuity to the collaborative efforts he has demonstrated toward university inclusivity and the well-being of our students. His experience in working with faculty, staff, and especially students will be greater enhance in his new role. Decker’s commitment to campus safety through community policing and education is evident though several collaborative initiatives including the launching of the student-centered community service officer program through Housing & Residential Education.”
Decker looks forward to the new role.
“As the newly selected chief of police, I will ensure that the UW-Green Bay Police Department continues to actively engage all members of our campus community through sustained community-oriented policing efforts. Through serving a diverse institution of higher education, our police officers are uniquely positioned to break down barriers within our campus community. I recognize the strength and value in community-oriented policing and engagement and the personal and academic success it can bring to our University community,” he said.
Decker holds a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice with honors and is a Wisconsin Department of Justice certified instructor on multiple topics, including constitutional law and firearms. He has attended multiple law enforcement specialty and leadership trainings, including completion of the National Command and Staff College where he earned recognition for the outstanding team capstone project which focused on law enforcement diversity hiring.
Van Gruensven stated that she appreciates the efforts of Christopher Paquet, assistant vice chancellor for Policy and Compliance, who chaired the search, and members of the search and screen committee for sharing their time, commitment and expertise during this process to bring it to a successful conclusion.
