UTC Police and Public Safety just got a new blue-and-gold look. The new vehicles—which include redesigned graphics and updated Mocs colors—were nearly a year in the making, according to UTC Chief of Police and Associate Vice Chancellor for Public Safety Sean O’Brien.
Meet Sophie, UTC’s newest sergeant and therapy dog
Sergeant Sophie recently landed her dream job at UTC. So did Corporal Aaron Bayer of the UTC Police Department. Sophie, a 1-year-old Labrador Retriever, officially started her role on Nov. 3 as the UTCPD therapy dog.
Keeping campus safe: Criminal justice students meet with UTC Public Safety
Students in Dr. Katelyn Hancock’s criminology class recently spent their class time going on a “crime walk.” Though UTC has its own police force and safety experts, Hancock wanted her students to ask: What areas can be improved?
Gunny, a retired K-9, finds a new beat at UTC
Meet Gunther—also known as Gunny—UTC’s first chief canine officer.
Officer by day, jammer by night
UTC police officer Ellen Centers has an alter ego. When she’s off duty, Centers becomes “Adrenellen,” a jammer for Chattanooga Roller Derby. Several nights a week, Centers can be found rollerblading around the Orange Grove Center gym during practices.
UTC brings together UT System, regional agencies for active threat training on campus
On Thursday, May 29, the UTC Police Department hosted an active threat training exercise that brought together emergency responders from across the UT System and regional public safety agencies.
The people of UTC: Get to know Sean O’Brien
Sean O’Brien was officially sworn in as the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga police chief this past May. As associate vice chancellor for public safety and chief of police, he is tasked with keeping everyone on campus safe.
Training exercise prepares UTC Police and local emergency response teams
On Wednesday, July 31, emergency responders and volunteers from UTC, the city of Chattanooga and Hamilton County came to campus for an emergency training exercise. Hosted by the UTC Department of Public Safety, the exercise simulated an armed intruder scenario in Lupton Hall, allowing participants to practice their response procedures.
Sean O’Brien sworn in as UTC police chief
Sean O’Brien, a decorated police officer with 24 years of law enforcement experience, was sworn in as UTC associate vice chancellor for public safety and chief of police on Friday, May 10.
Sean O’Brien named UTC associate vice chancellor for public safety and police chief
Sean O’Brien, a decorated police officer with 24 years of law enforcement experience, has been selected as the new University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Associate Vice Chancellor for Public Safety and UTC Police Chief. O’Brien, who has worked for the Chattanooga Police Department (CPD) since 2007, will join UTC effective May 1, 2024.









