Kimberly Spears-McNatt will lead The Ohio State University Police Division; Tracy Hahn is new deputy chief
COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio State University Police Division (OSUPD) has new leadership. Kimberly Spears-McNatt officially took over as the division’s first female chief on Jan. 1, 2019. Spears-McNatt is joined by recently appointed Deputy Chief Tracy Hahn.
“Kimberly and Tracy offer more than 50 years of combined law enforcement experience and the leadership skills to continue the great police service we provide here at Ohio State,” said Monica Moll, director of public safety. “As a CALEA (Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies) -accredited law enforcement agency, we hold ourselves to the highest standards and value diversity on our police force to best reflect the community we serve.”
Spears-McNatt becomes the agency’s 11th police chief. Her full-time appointment comes six months after taking over as interim chief, following the departure of Craig Stone.
“I graduated from Ohio State and began my law enforcement career on the Columbus campus,” Spears-McNatt said. “The safety of our campus community remains my top priority, and I look forward to moving our agency forward with a focus on education and community engagement.”
Spears-McNatt has served the university community as a police officer for nearly 25 years and was named deputy chief in August 2016. She is a member of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, the Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police and the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators. During her time with OSUPD, she has received several honors, including a Commendation Award and a Medal of Valor. Spears-McNatt received her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Ohio State and earned has master’s degree from Franklin University.
Deputy Chief Hahn also graduated from Ohio State and served OSUPD for three years, beginning in 1990. She spent the remainder of her law enforcement career in the Upper Arlington Police Division (UAPD). She became the first female police chief at UAPD, retiring in that role on Sept. 22 before rejoining OSUPD in late-October.
“I enjoyed serving the citizens of Upper Arlington for 25 years,” Hahn said. “I am excited and reenergized to have a positive influence on a different type of community and look forward to getting to know our students.”
Hahn received her bachelor’s degree in criminology from Ohio State and went on to earn a master’s degree from Tiffin University.
“We are happy to welcome Tracy back to Ohio State,” said Chief Spears-McNatt. “Once a Buckeye, always a Buckeye.”
A public ceremony and reception to recognize both officers will be held on January 10 at the Fawcett Center.
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Contact: Ben Johnson, johnson.7149@osu.edu, 614-292-9681