The University of Texas has a new police chief

Former Austin Police Department Assistant Police Chief Robert Dahlstrom is the new UT police chief.

Dahlstrom faces many new challenges. During the interview process many in the UT community expressed concerns over off-campus safety in highly populated student areas.

Student government suggested joint jurisdiction between APD and UTPD.

“I think the joint jurisdiction would be a very difficult thing to do. You have two different radio communications, you have two
different 911 calls that come in. You have different policies,” Dahlstrom said.

Dahlstrom is the fourth person to serve as UT’s police chief since the department was created in the late 1960s.

The biggest problem on campus other than minor theft is alcohol, Dahlstrom said. And, he adds, alcohol can lead to more violent crime.

The most recent UTPD crime statistics show 314 arrests and 330 referrals for liquor law violations in 2004.

“And tell them exactly the downfalls of drinking where you lose control of your judgment and make bad judgments that can affect you for the rest of your life,” Dahlstrom said.

“It’s always had a very good reputation being a good department and I hope to continue that reputation and keep it good,” Dahlstrom said.

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