University of Michigan Department of Public Safety 

Leo J. Heatley, director of the University of Michigan Department of Public Safety (DPS) since 1985, has announced that he will retire from the University. 

“I’ve enjoyed my years at the University and appreciated the opportunity to serve the community,” Heatley said. “I’m proud of the men and women employed at the Department of Public Safety and the excellent job they do on a daily basis. One of our goals was to develop a professional police department and I believe we have accomplished that goal. I’m looking forward to the next chapter in my life.” 

Robert Kasdin, U-M executive vice president and chief financial officer, said, “We are appreciative of Leo’s dedication and many years of service to the University. Through his leadership, safety and security on campus has been greatly enhanced.” After serving active duty in the U.S. Navy, Heatley became a police officer. He retired from the Michigan State Police as a captain after 23 years of service. He joined the U-M Department of Public Safety in 1979 as associate director, assuming the directorship in 1985. 

Heatley was instrumental in guiding the department through the process of becoming a full service law enforcement agency. DPS is charged with providing law enforcement and security services for the U-M campus. In addition to crime prevention programs and emergency response, DPS has implemented a formalized Community Oriented Policing (COP) program campus-wide. This proactive approach to law enforcement empowers people to take an active role in the preservation of peace and security in their community, which has been a priority for Heatley since joining the University. 

Under Heatley’s direction, DPS has developed one of the most comprehensive training programs for police and security officers in the state. Heatley also has actively supported the growth of one of the largest law enforcement student employee programs in the country. DPS employs approximately 60 students each term to assist in a variety of its daily operations. 

Heatley received his bachelor of arts degree in criminal justice from Madonna University in Livonia. He also holds an associate of arts degree in police administration from Schoolcraft College in Livonia and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Va.