Brown University Police Chief placed on leave for what he DID NOT do

Brown University President Christina Paxson announced that Rodney Chatman, the Vice President for Public Safety and Emergency Management, has been placed on administrative leave effective immediately. This decision follows a devastating mass shooting on the university's campus on December 13, 2025, which killed two students and injured nine others. While Chatman is on leave, Hugh T. Clements, the former chief of the Providence Police Department, will serve as the interim vice president and chief of police.

The university is currently undergoing two major reviews of its security practices: an external after-action review of the December 13 incident and a comprehensive campus safety and security assessment. These reviews will examine the university's emergency response, coordination with other law enforcement agencies, and the effectiveness of campus security infrastructure like surveillance cameras and building access. President Paxson noted that while public safety officers were praised for their rapid response and bravery during the shooting, a thorough review is a standard and essential part of recovery.

Simultaneously, the U.S. Department of Education has launched its own investigation into Brown University for potential violations of the Jeanne Clery Act. Federal officials are concerned that the university's security systems may not have met appropriate standards, potentially allowing the shooting suspect to flee. Additionally, prior to the shooting, the union representing Brown’s police officers had expressed serious concerns over Chatman’s leadership, including a unanimous vote of no confidence issued in August 2025 due to allegations of contract violations and retaliation.

For the latest official updates on campus safety and ongoing reviews, you can visit the Brown University Public Safety page or the National Center for Campus Public Safety.