Marquette University today named Edith Hudson, former assistant chief of police for the Milwaukee Police Department, as the new chief of the university’s police department. She will officially take command of the Marquette University Police Department on Dec. 17, 2018.
Hudson served MPD for 25 years in progressive leadership roles before she retired from active duty in good standing in November 2015. During her time with MPD, Hudson also served as the commander of the District 5 police station; acting commander of the District 3 police station; shift commander at Districts 3, 5 and 2; and shift commander of the Sensitive Crimes Division – Domestic Violence Unit. She was also a supervisor with the Tactical Enforcement Unit. Following her long tenure with MPD, Hudson most recently served as security manager for Wisconsin operations at Briggs and Stratton Corp.
“Edith Hudson was a decorated officer and champion of community policing for 25 years, and I am pleased that she is bringing her leadership, dedication to law enforcement and passion for outreach to Marquette University as our new police chief,” President Michael R. Lovell said. “I know our campus community and surrounding Near West Side neighborhood will quickly embrace Chief Hudson and her inspirational brand of community policing, outreach and education that aligns perfectly with Marquette’s Catholic, Jesuit mission.”
As assistant chief of MPD, Hudson was responsible for one-third of the department’s personnel — approximately 800 police and civilian employees. She said her dedication to community policing came when she took over command responsibilities for District 3, which includes Marquette University and its Near West Side neighborhood.
“I was always most passionate about my work with community outreach and education and crime prevention efforts during my assignment at District 3,” Hudson said. “There, I was introduced to a team of police personnel and dedicated community members who were committed to collaborative, community-focused policing. I saw how this type of policing can change neighborhoods and change lives — this experience formed my policing philosophy for the rest of my professional life. I am thrilled to now bring my decades of experience to Marquette, and look forward to working closely with students, faculty, staff, local law enforcement and community organizations to ensure a safe, thriving campus for all.”
“The Milwaukee Police Department is thrilled with the selection Marquette University has made for its new police chief,” said Milwaukee Police Chief Alfonso Morales. “We are looking forward to working together with Chief Hudson to become a force multiplier in moving towards keeping Milwaukee a great place to live, work, learn and raise a family.”
“Edith Hudson is an awesome choice for the university, and I think the students will really connect with her,” added Jazzmine Haygood, an undergraduate criminology and law studies major who served on the search committee.
“Chief Hudson brings the ideal blend of law enforcement leadership skills and on-the-ground, community-based policing that is so important to leading a university police department,” said Joel Pogodzinski, Marquette’s senior vice president and chief operating officer, to whom Hudson will report. “I want to thank the search committee, led by co-chairs Rana Altenburg, vice president for public affairs, and Mike Broeker, deputy athletic director, for bringing forth such a talented, qualified pool of candidates.”
The comprehensive and inclusive search process began in June 2018 and included 10 campus and community listening sessions, as well as input from students, faculty, staff, local law enforcement and community partners.
Pogodzinski added: “On behalf of the entire Marquette University community, I also want to extend our sincere gratitude to Capt. Jeff Kranz, who led MUPD as its interim chief admirably and with the utmost professionalism and commitment to Marquette’s mission and values. We are grateful for his continued leadership as he helps Chief Hudson hit the ground running in this critical role.”
Ensuring a safe environment for everyone on Marquette’s campus and the surrounding community is MUPD’s top priority. MUPD’s more than 80 officers work around the clock to both prevent and respond to incidents. The department’s safety infrastructure includes more than 700 cameras, over 450 blue light emergency phones, a state-of-the-art command center, campus-wide text alert system and a nationally recognized student safety program.