LSUPD Chief William “Randy” Watts announced April 2 that he will retire on May 31.
Vice-Chancellor Jerry Baudin appointed Gary Durham, the current executive director of Public Safety, to serve as interim chief.
Watts served seven years with the FBI before signing on with LSUPD in 1978 as assistant chief. He left LSUPD in 1987 to work as a U.S. Marshal but returned in 1988 and was named LSUPD chief.
During Watts’ 26 years with LSUPD, the number of officers more than doubled, growing from 32 officers to 75.
LSUPD Maj. Ricky Adams said numerical growth is a testament to Watts’ work to improve officer retention and pay.
“It’s his ability to attract quality, professional officers,” Adams said.
Adams said Watts’ leadership has improved LSUPD’s image.
“In the early days we were transitioning from a security department,” Adams said. “Today we’re recognized as a professional police department.”
Under Watts’ leadership, LSUPD has been invited to participate in “high profile” cases such as the south Louisiana serial killer case, Adams said.
Chancellor Mark Emmert complimented Watts’ service in a news release.
“During his career at LSU, he and his staff have been faced with some of the toughest cases to hit a university campus,” Emmert said. “They have handled them all with great professionalism and attention, and gone to great lengths to provide for the safety of the campus community.”
Baudin formed a search committee to find Watts’ successor. The committee consists of administrative and student representatives.
Durham also will serve as chair of the committee.