TUCSON, Ariz. – University of Arizona Police Cmdr. Brian Seastone has been named UA chief of police, effective March 1.
A 34-year veteran of the UA Police Department, Seastone will provide strategic leadership for the department and oversee its campus crime prevention efforts, community outreach initiatives, and crisis and emergency response management.
“Brian Seastone has worked for many years to keep our campus community safe, and his admirable dedication and experience made him an ideal choice for chief of police,” said UA President Ann Weaver Hart. “His valuable leadership will help ensure that our University and the surrounding community continue to be well-protected and well-prepared.”
Seastone was selected as chief following a national search led by UA athletic director Greg Byrne. Seastone succeeds Anthony Daykin, who announced his retirement as UA police chief last year. UAPD Cmdr. Keith Brittain has served as interim chief since December and will return to his position as the department’s operations support commander.
Seastone joined UAPD in 1980 as a field operations officer. He currently serves as the University’s manager of emergency preparedness, responsible for preventing, preparing for and recovering from critical incidents. In that capacity, he also serves as a member and adviser to the UA Campus Emergency Response Team. As chief, he will continue to work with CERT and will become a member of the UA Executive Policy Group.
Seastone has a master’s degree in educational leadership from Northern Arizona University, and he completed the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy training course in 2003.
He also has extensive experience training others in law enforcement. He currently serves as an adjunct instructor for FEMA and the State of Arizona Department of Emergency Management, providing training on the National Incident Management System and Incident Command System.
“I am very honored to serve the University of Arizona in this capacity, and look forward to collaborating with the University community and our partners to enhance our campus safety and success,” Seastone said.
Seastone will report to James Hyatt, UA interim senior vice president for business affairs and chief financial officer.
“Cmdr. Seastone’s demonstrated commitment to the University of Arizona community and his experience in campus law enforcement make him an excellent choice for the UA chief of police,” Hyatt said. “I look forward in working with him and the UAPD to continue to advance the goals of campus safety and service to the university community.”
