From OWENS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Owens Community College introduced Jennifer Emptage as its new Chief of Police and director of public safety and security during a swearing-in ceremony on Monday, July 6. Emptage will lead a department of 12 employees responsible for safety across the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses.
Emptage brings nearly 13 years of law enforcement experience, serving in patrol, investigations, and leadership roles. She most recently was a lieutenant for the Bowling Green State University Police Department.
Holding a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and Master of Science in Forensic Investigation, both from BGSU, Emptage began her career as a patrol officer for the BGSU Police in 2013.
“I’m honored to join the Owens Community College community and to lead a department committed to safety, service, and integrity,” Emptage said. “Effective policing starts with listening and building genuine relationships, and that is exactly the culture I intend to foster here. My goal is to create an environment where every student, faculty member, staff member, and visitor feels safe, supported, and valued, and where our officers are seen as trusted partners in the campus community.”
Emptage has held leadership roles with a variety of organizations, including the Center for Innovative Change, the Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy (OPOTA), and BGSU. She’s an OPOTA instructor and a CPR and first aid instructor for the American Heart Association, along with instructor positions with Navigate 360 and RAIDER.
Emptage’s professional development includes continuing education with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), and OPOTA.
“The appointment of Jennifer Emptage as Chief of Police marks an important step forward for our Department of Public Safety. Chief Emptage brings a proven record of leadership and a strong commitment to public service. Her expertise and vision will help strengthen our efforts to ensure a safe, secure, and welcoming environment for our campus community,” said Dr. Blake Renner, Owens vice president of enrollment management and student affairs.
Emptage will take over for Dwayne Dotson, who served as the interim Chief of Police. Dotson will remain with the Department of Public Safety as police sergeant.
The Department of Public Safety patrols all campus parking areas, buildings, and grounds and responds to criminal, medical, and fire emergencies, along with a range of community assistance services. The department’s full-time officers and dispatchers are certified and sworn through the Ohio Peace Officer Training Council with full law enforcement authority.
