On Friday, Feb. 7, Robert Kanaski, the first of three candidates for the San Diego State Police Department’s chief of police position, gave a short presentation and answered questions during an open forum at Love Library.
Kanaski is currently the Executive Director for the Division of Inspectional Services at the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department. A veteran of the San Diego Police Department with more than 30 years experience, Kanaski said he hopes to bring his expertise to the SDSU community.
During the next week, SDSU will welcome two more candidates to participate in similar open forums as part of the interview process for the chief of police position.
Friday’s open forum consisted of a 25-minute presentation where Kanaski outlined his plans if he were granted the position of chief of police. The presentation explored his vision for the future of university law enforcement, and what issues he thinks will be in the forefront five and 10 years from now. For Kanaski, that vision needs to be simple.
“The role of campus law enforcement is to provide professional law enforcement services that ensure the academic process is not impeded or obstructed,” Kanaski said. The way that it is accomplished, he added, is through a shared team responsibility.
Kanaski said the SDSUPD must have a five-year plan that either mirrors or is a part of the strategic management plan of the university. Funding, along with updated equipment and a fully trained staff is part of that plan.
Providing consistency in every facet of the police department is part of the 10-year plan Kanaski would strive to accomplish. Establishing priorities, especially in regards to budget, and an open channel of communication is crucial, he said.
“The SDSUPD cannot work in a bubble,” Kanaski said. “The best management is one that gets out and walks around.”
The next open forums will be held on Tues., Feb. 11 from 2:30 to 3:15 p.m. and Thurs., Feb. 13 from 1:00 to 1:45 p.m. Both will take place in rooms 430 and 431 of Love Library.
Photos by Jenna Mackey, Staff Photographer
