UC Davis Names New Police Chief

DAVIS (CBS13) - UC Davis swore in a new police chief on Thursday, the day after the embattled chief announced her retirement. And with it, new chages are going into effect.

"We are reviewing the administrative structures and the policies and particles we have in place. That is going to start very soon, to be able to help us change a lot of things and create an environment where we can make decisions in a very robust way," said Chancellor Linda Katehi.

Matthew Carmichael has been acting as interim chief since November, when Annette Spicuzza was placed on administrative leave in the aftermath of the pepper spraying of student protesters on the campus quad.

Spicuzza decided to retirement rather than ride out the administrative process, noting that she wished to put the Nov. 18 in the past. "I believe in order to start the healing process, this chapter of my life must be closed," she said in an email statement.

Prior to his promotion Thursday, Carmichael was a UC Davis police lieutenant. He joined the force in 2002 and has 27 years of law enforcement experience.

His first official action was ordering an outside audit of the department after the now infamous pepper spraying incident.

"We are going to begin a top to bottom approach and review of the police department," said Carmichael.

In a press release issued by the university, Carmichael said his top priority in the next few months will be to rebuild the relationship between the police and the campus community.

"We're going to be out meeting people and hearing about your needs and concerns," he said. "We're here to serve the campus community and keep it a safe place to work and live."

Administrators hope this helps restore confidence in campus police.

Carmichael's appointment as chief is for one year. During the latter part of his term, the campus will launch a national search for a new police chief.

Carmichael, a Vallejo native, has four children.