Northern Illinois University Appoints Jason John as New Police Chief

Northern Illinois University (NIU) has officially appointed Jason John as the new chief of its Department of Police and Public Safety. John, who has served as the interim chief since February, was selected for the permanent position following a nationwide search and public forums. This announcement was made in a news release from the university earlier this week.

A veteran of the NIU police department, John has spent the past 21 years in various roles, including commander and deputy chief. His journey began as an officer in 2004 after earning a bachelor’s degree in management from NIU in 2003. “I’ve been part of this community for more than two decades,” John stated. “I truly believe the NIU police chief should be someone who’s lived this experience… I’m proud to be a Huskie through and through.”

The selection of John was influenced by his extensive experience in management and his commitment to community engagement. According to Matt Streb, Chief Strategy Officer at NIU, “We sought a leader with integrity, extensive experience and a proven record of collaboration and commitment. We were fortunate to find that right here at NIU.” John succeeds Darren Mitchell, who retired earlier this year.

Community-Focused Approach to Campus Safety

In his new role, John aims to strengthen the relationship between the police department and the broader university community. He emphasized that safety is a collective responsibility and expressed his intention to engage with all campus groups. “When I talk about a community-based approach, it’s not just focusing on one specific group,” he said. “We can’t expect it to work if we don’t have everyone engaged in what we do.”

John’s vision includes ensuring his officers are well-prepared for emergencies and promoting values such as fairness, equity, transparency, and accountability within the police force. He articulated the importance of building trust with the community, stating, “Our community needs to have trust in us that we’ll do the right thing even when nobody’s watching.”

In an August 2023 video address shared on the department’s social media platforms, John welcomed students for the academic year, assuring them of “around the clock” efforts to maintain safety. His proactive stance underscores his commitment to the well-being of both students and residents in DeKalb.

John’s qualifications are further highlighted by his recognition as the recipient of NIU’s Chief’s Award in 2023 and his participation in the prestigious FBI National Academy in 2022. His comprehensive background in law enforcement training equips him to navigate the complexities of campus safety effectively.

As he steps into this leadership role, John’s experience and deep connection to the NIU community position him to make a significant impact on campus safety and police-community relations. His appointment marks a new chapter for the university’s police department, one that is focused on collaboration and community trust.