Dean Tondiglia has wanted to work in law enforcement ever since he can remember. Starting out, he looked forward to becoming a patrol officer, but he always hoped that one day he would be chief of police.

“My mom was a clerk of courts,” Tondiglia said. “So I was always in her office when I was younger and had met police officers and judges and court people, and I really liked what it was all about. I decided well before college that this is what I wanted to do.”

Tondiglia achieved that dream and was sworn in as the new Kent State chief of police Feb. 16 after working with the department for more than 30 years. Starting this new position, there are many things Tondiglia wants to improve and develop.

Tondiglia said he wants to continue putting sufficient resources into the hiring process to ensure the right people are hired for the job. He said he hopes to continue and better this extensive hiring process to find the most qualified police officers for Kent State.

“We’re certainly service oriented,” Tondiglia said. “We certainly try to be well trained, well educated, and we want to make sure that the officers coming here are going to fit this environment.” 

Internally, the department meets eight times a year to continue their training and education. The officers have a different course each time they meet to better prepare them for any emergency. 

He also wants to continue to enhance the relationship between the officers and the community. Officers are assigned to specific residence halls and academic buildings across the campus. 

“I want to really make sure our officers and staff are out there and engaging with the community, with the faculty, staff and students,” Tondiglia said. 

Tondiglia wants officers to do more presentations within residence halls and academic buildings. He said he believes the more familiar the community is with the officers, the better the communication between them will be.

Contact Katie Chilson at [email protected].