September 14, 2021 – An Update on Campus Policing

Dear campus community,

Today, I’m sharing that University Police Department (UPD) Chief Matthew Dillon will be retiring, effective December 31. While we are sad to see him leave, I’d like to thank Chief Dillon for his service to Chico State and congratulate him for his nearly three-decade career with the California State University system.

Chief Dillon accepted this position on an interim basis last year. As you may recall, that search process concluded at a pivotal moment for our University—and our nation—and coincided with us taking a fresh and difficult look at our historical policing policies. The fact that Chief Dillon agreed to step into this position on an interim basis speaks volumes about his character, his desire to put the University first, and his recognition of the important process we were set to begin with our Presidential Task Force to Examine University Police Policies and Practices.

In his time on campus, Chief Dillon served with dedication as co-chair of the Presidential Task Force. He provided his expertise in law enforcement leadership and demonstrated how much he values diverse perspectives. During this time, he also helped the University work through the pandemic and established a stronger partnership with Chico Police Department.

Over the next three months, he will continue to lead UPD and help the University evaluate and implement the key recommendations of the task force.

Personally, I will miss the contagious positivity he brought to his job each day. Please join me in wishing him the best as he prepares for his retirement and looks to spend more time with his family.

Later this week, the University will announce a national search for a new chief of police, inviting the campus community to provide feedback on the job description. I look forward to your participation in that process.

Sincerely,

Gayle E. Hutchinson