Univ. of Iowa Replaces Public Safety Director Amidst Controversy
The university demoted David Visin to an associate director position.
The University of Iowa’s interim public safety director was replaced March 4 following accusations that he tampered with a hit-and-run investigation into his stepson.
David Visin was moved to an associate director position with the university after an internal investigation, according to ABC News.
The demotion comes after the AP reported that a sheriff’s deputy accused Visin of interfering with a hit-and-run investigation of his stepson.
The night of the accident, Visin had left an off-campus bar with his stepson, Sean Crane, who drove into two parked cars. According to court documents, when police arrived at Crane’s house shortly after the accident, Crane’s wife told them he had just left with Visin. When police called Visin and asked him to pull over, he refused.
RELATED: 7 Incredible Stories of University Heroes
Eventually Visin dropped Crane off at a gas station before police could interview him, and Crane was later found intoxicated and walking shirtless along the road with a major abrasion on his back.
On Feb. 29 Visin said his diabetes threw off his judgment that day. Visin also claimed to have been sober during the incident and unaware of Crane’s accident.
No charges have been filed against Visin and the university’s investigation determined he didn’t break any laws or university policies. Veteran university police officer Lucy Wiederholt will replace Visin as interim public safety director.
If you appreciated this article and want to receive more valuable industry content like this, click here to sign up for our FREE digital newsletters!
Related Content
Leading in Turbulent Times: Effective Campus Public Safety Leadership for the 21st Century
This new webcast will discuss how campus public safety leaders can effectively incorporate Clery Act, Title IX, customer service, “helicopter” parents, emergency notification, town-gown relationships, brand management, Greek Life, student recruitment, faculty, and more into their roles and develop the necessary skills to successfully lead their departments. Register today to attend this free webcast!
