Episode 6- U of A Chief of Police Chris Olson

Guest Spotlight: Chris Olson — Leadership, Accountability, and the Future of Arizona Policing

Chris Olson, Assistant Vice President and Chief of Police at the University of Arizona, was officially appointed in December 2023 after serving as interim chief since May 2023. With more than 30 years of law enforcement experience in Arizona, Chief Olson has built a respected career rooted in service, innovation, and leadership.

He began his career in 1992 with the Pima College Police Department, later joining the University of Arizona Police Department as an officer, field training officer, police canine handler, and motorcycle officer. In 2001, Olson joined the Oro Valley Police Department, where he rose through the ranks from sergeant to lieutenant to commander, overseeing special operations, patrol, and field services.

A lifelong learner, Chief Olson holds a Master of Education in Human Relations from Northern Arizona University and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Park University. He is a graduate of both the FBI National Academy (Session 244) and the Northwestern University School of Staff and Command (Class 331).

Beyond his law enforcement service, Chief Olson contributes to the profession as a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police Roadway Safety Committee, an Executive Adjunct Board Member of the FBINAA Arizona Chapter, and an active member of the Arizona Association of Chiefs of Police. He also serves as adjunct faculty at the University of Arizona, teaching Police Accountability for the School of Government and Public Policy.

Keywords: Arizona law enforcement, University of Arizona Police Department, Chris Olson, FBI National Academy, public safety leadership, police accountability, Oro Valley Police Department, ACJC podcast, Working for Justice.