Update: UNI Official Comments on Retiring Police Chief

Update 5:14 p.m.:

Here is what UNI President Ben Allen has to say about retiring UNI police chief David Zarifis.:

Dave has served the University of Northern Iowa very well with his high level of professionalism, his strong commitment to helping the university and his deep understanding of how to best serve students.  Dave has built solid relationships with faculty, staff and students and he will be missed.

Previous reporting:

is accepting applications for the position of chief of police and director of public safety to replace David Zarifis, who is retiring after more than 40 years with the school.

The position was posted on April 19 on HigherEdJobs.com. Zarifis' last day is April 30, according to a report in the UNI student newspaper.

“UNI has been home for me for a long time. I will miss it and the people,” Zarifis told the Northern Iowan. “The university has been very good to me, and you just hope that in your own way, you’ve been able to give something back to it.”

Zarifis was at the helm for the controversial decision to arm police on the three Iowa Regents university campuses.

According to the student paper, Milissa Wright, associate director of public safety, will serve as interim director while a search for a new director is conducted.

The position oversees both campus police and parking.

Here's more of the duties: "Oversees investigations, emergency planning and management, training, threat assessment and response, and parking services; ensures compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, University policies, and Board of Regents, State of Iowa rules and requirements; and serves in the dual capacity of certified law enforcement officer and university official."

What is your view of campus police at UNI?