Scott G. VanScoy began as Interim University Police Chief at HSU on Sept. 29. VanScoy was most recently a Captain at CSU Northridge Police, which provides a range of law enforcement and public safety services for the campus of 40,000. He began in that department in 1998.

“I am excited about Scott joining the Lumberjack team during this period,” says Sherie Gordon, Chief of Staff and Interim Vice President for Administration & Finance. “He will provide invaluable leadership during a very pivotal time for our department and campus. I would like to thank CSUN Chief Gregory Murphy for allowing Scott to serve HSU during this critical time.”

VanScoy’s major accomplishments since joining CSU Northridge Police include being the department’s Accreditation Manager for the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators Accreditation Program; acting as the lead project manager for the construction of the department’s state-of-the-art 28,000-square-foot police/emergency operations facility; and obtaining an estimated $325,000 in external funding and grants over an eight year period.

He also has experience in strategically planning for a “Community Policing Team,” and has extensive training and experience in managing mental health and/or threat assessment cases. He assisted in establishing the Rape Aggression Defense, Inc. self-defense program for women and men at CSU Northridge, and completed a feasibility study on the utilization of bicycle patrols as a means to improve crime prevention services and community relations.

VanScoy has obtained more than 1,900 hours of law enforcement training in various subjects and has obtained Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Management, Supervisory, Advanced, Intermediate, and Basic Certificates. He is also a graduate of the University of Louisville, Kentucky National Crime Prevention Institute. In 2004 and 2006, he was the recipient of the Chief’s Award from Anne P. Glavin, for his dedication to meeting the mission and goals of the University Police Department. VanScoy earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology/Criminal Justice from Iowa State University and a master’s degree in Management from the University of Redlands.

Interim Chief Christina Lofthouse’s last day was Sept. 30. “I would like to thank Christina Lofthouse for her stellar leadership since her arrival in June. Christina has been instrumental in providing leadership on campus and among the Council of Chiefs in the CSU. She has been a catalyst in CSU policy change, enhanced training for our officers, and spearheaded the redesign of the UPD website. We wish her well at Sacramento State University,” says Gordon.

HSU continues it’s search for its next police chief, and held open forums for two finalists. You can learn more about the candidates here.