Murphy Robinson III to serve as UCCS Interim Chief of Police

To ensure continuity of leadership and maintain the highest levels of service and support, Murphy Robinson III will serve as the UCCS Interim Chief of Police while the university conducts a search for its next permanent chief. 

Robinson currently serves the entire university system as the Chief Security Officer in a consultant capacity. As interim chief, Robinson will provide leadership and strategic oversight for UCCS Public Safety while continuing to support the broader university system. His appointment provides UCCS with experienced leadership and direct access to extensive public safety resources and expertise during this transition. 

Robinson, the CEO of a Colorado-based security portfolio company, brings decades of leadership experience spanning public safety, government administration, and private-sector security. He previously served as Deputy Mayor, Chief Operating Officer, and Executive Director of Public Safety for the City and County of Denver, where he oversaw 23 departments, managed a $2 billion budget, and led a workforce of more than 15,000 employees. Robinson also ran operations in 2 Denver Metro cities as the Deputy City Manager and Chief of Staff.  

With 20 years in law enforcement, Robinson also leads the Colorado Rangers as the Assistant Chief a statewide law enforcement agency supporting other agencies and governments throughout Colorado as their police reserves for operational and leadership needs. Robinson’s experience overseeing complex public safety operations and coordinating across multiple jurisdictions brings additional depth and support to UCCS during the interim period. 

His appointment further strengthens the connection between UCCS, the CU System Office, and public safety partners across Colorado, ensuring the university continues to benefit from coordinated expertise, resources, and support throughout the leadership transition. 

Former Chief of Police Diana Cooley announced her departure from UCCS last month. She is now leading the Public Affairs Unit for the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office. 

UCCS remains committed to providing a safe, secure, and supportive environment for students, faculty, staff, and visitors. The university will begin the search process for its next permanent chief in the coming months.