Deniz Is New Chief of University Police
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 24, 2002
Joe Wills
530-898-4143
Deniz Is New Chief of University Police
Leslie Deniz is new director of Public Safety Services and chief of University Police at California State University, Chico. She began her duties this week.
Chief Deniz replaces Lt. Kelly Clark, who has served as interim chief since July 2001.
Prior to joining University Police, Deniz was a lieutenant in the Yuba City Police Department. She also served as an administrative sergeant, sergeant/corporal and officer during her 13-year tenure with the Yuba City PD. As lieutenant, her duties included supervision of the Field Training Officer program, Community Oriented Policing and Problem-Solving programs and the Volunteers in Policing program.
From August 1987 to 1989, Deniz served on the Oroville Police Department. Along with her police academy training, Deniz has earned certificates in peace officer management and supervision. She earned her B.A. from CSU, Chico in 1989 and M.A. from the University of Phoenix in 1995. She currently teaches at the Butte Community College Police Academy and has also taught at Yuba City High School and coached at Yuba Community College.
“Leslie brings with her thirteen years of experience in public safety,” said Dennis Graham, CSU, Chico vice president for business and finance. “She also has experience working with departmental budgets, strategic planning, writing grants, emergency response programs, working with hazardous materials incidents, as well as her direct experience as a police officer. We are very much looking forward to working with our new chief.”
“I really like the atmosphere at Chico State,” Deniz said. “People have been extremely helpful. I feel part of a team and am very happy about that.”
Deniz says her approach to public safety is one that emphasizes communication and deliberation. “My experience in community policing and problem-solving has taught me to listen to what people are saying about their concerns and seek long-term solutions.”
Deniz is a native of Gridley. She competed in the 1984 Summer Olympics and won a silver medal in the discuss. She had the opportunity to carry the Olympic Torch in Chico in 1996.
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