Captain Marisa Smith will serve UMSL’s next chief of police and director of institutional safety following the retirement of Chief Dan Freet. (Photo by Derik Holtmann)
Captain Marisa Smith is set to become the next chief of police and director of institutional safety at the University of Missouri–St. Louis.
On Wednesday, the university announced Smith’s selection to succeed Chief Dan Freet after his retirement next month. Smith, who has spent 21 years with the UMSL Police Department, the past seven as deputy chief of police, will assume her new position on Sept. 16.
“Marisa brings commendable experience, exceptional skills and proven leadership that will undoubtedly continue to enhance our overall campus safety,” said Tanika Busch, UMSL’s vice chancellor for finance and operations, who has oversight of the UMSL Police Department. “I am confident that her contributions will continue to have a positive and significant impact on our campus, culture and community.”
As captain, Smith has been involved in all facets of department operations, with oversight of special operations, parking and transportation and internal affairs. She has also served as the hiring manager and Clery coordinator, ensuring compliance with federal law.
She has helped UMSL build and maintain what SafeHome.org recently named one of the five safest campuses in the country based on an analysis of data from the U.S. Department of Education on violent and property crimes at more than 600 colleges and universities nationwide with enrollments of at least 5,000 students.
Last year, UMSL’s Police Department received accreditation for the eighth time from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies after displaying an exemplary public safety record and dedication to CALEA’s latest public safety standards.
Smith is eager to build upon that record of success.
“I believe it’s about continuing our work to ensure that UMSL is a safe place where everyone can live, work and pursue their educational endeavors,” said Smith, who has completed a bachelor’s degree in liberal studies and a master’s degree in adult and higher education from UMSL during her time with the department. “Our officers work hard to build those relationships and meet the needs of our campus community, and we will continue to do that.”
Smith, who was a recipient of an UMSL Trailblazer Award in 2011, feels pride clearing a new path as the first woman to serve as chief of police at UMSL.
“I know that I may be the first, but I will not be the last female to hold this position,” she said. “Ensuring that there are opportunities there for people who want to pursue this line of work – that is important to me.”
Smith has served under three police chiefs during her time at UMSL, and she credits all three for fostering her career development.
Chief Robert Roeseler hired her in 2003 at a time when there were few women working in the department, and Chief Forrest Van Ness supported her advancement, promoting her to sergeant in 2012, lieutenant in 2015 and captain in 2016. He also was responsible for sending her to train at the FBI National Academy in 2017.
She’s spent the past seven years working alongside Freet, for whom she has been a trusted partner.
Smith is eager to take the next step in her career.
“I am proud, humbled and excited to work alongside the team as the director of institutional safety,” Smith said. “I’ve been mentored by many experienced, skilled, professional individuals who’ve paved the way for me and opened up some doors. This is what I wanted to pursue, and I am just excited that it’s come to fruition.”
