MERCED, CA. --- Marking another significant milestone in campus development, Rita Spaur, the highest-ranking woman in the UC Davis Police Department, has been recruited as the founding chief of police at UC Merced.  Currently serving as the interim chief of police at UC Davis, Spaur is expected to officially begin her appointment March 28, 2005 pending final administrative approval.

"Rita Spaur emerged as our top candidate for this critical leadership position based on her extensive experience in both municipal and campus police services as well as her intimate understanding of the University of California," says Vice Chancellor for Administration Lindsay Desrochers.  "Simply put, her qualifications are uniquely matched to the needs of our campus.  We feel fortunate to have attracted an outstanding professional who is so highly respected by her colleagues in the police department and throughout the UC Davis campus."

As founding chief of police, Spaur will be charged with development and management of the police department; responsibility for all campus law enforcement services; coordination of emergency preparedness programs with other campus officials; and collaboration with city, county and state agencies for supplemental law enforcement and fire protection services.

"Building a police department from the ground up is a dream position for many law enforcement leaders and I am thrilled to have this opportunity," says Spaur.  "My goal is to work with the UC Merced team to create a community-oriented university police department that is both proactive and responsive to university needs.  I also look forward to working closely with local officials to develop and maintain positive relations between the university and community."

With 30 years of experience in law enforcement, Spaur's career includes approximately 20 years with the University of California system managing all aspects of police operations.  She started her university career with the UC Santa Barbara Police Department in 1985 and came to UC Davis as a lieutenant in 1994.  Five years later she was promoted to captain, followed by an appointment as assistant chief in 2002.  Since the retirement of Police Chief Calvin Handy late last year, she has been serving as interim chief and has played a central role in leading department operations.