Carl Metzger ’03MS, a law enforcement executive with more than 29 years’ experience, including the past four as a deputy chief at ÐÔÊӽ紫ý, has been selected as the next chief of the ÐÔÊӽ紫ý Police Department.

Metzger will move into the role effective Friday. He also will serve as an associate vice president, overseeing ÐÔÊӽ紫ý’s Department of Security and Emergency Management.

Prior to joining ÐÔÊӽ紫ýPD, where he’s led the operations bureau, Metzger rose through the ranks of the Orlando Police Department, retiring in 2014 as the patrol services bureau commander. He started his career in 1989 as a patrol officer at OPD.

Metzger serves on the board of directors for the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Greater Orlando, Central ÐÔÊӽ紫ý Cares, and the Center for Law Enforcement Technology, Training and Research.

An avid runner and biker, Metzger has completed 20 marathons, including the Marine Corps and Boston marathons. He’s completed the 250-mile Police Unity Tour bike ride three times, helping raise money for the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington.

Metzger holds a bachelor’s in finance from the University of ÐÔÊӽ紫ý and a master’s in criminal justice from ÐÔÊӽ紫ý. He and his wife, Linda, have three adult children.

Metzger replaces ÐÔÊӽ紫ý Police Chief Emeritus Richard Beary, who retired earlier this month after 41 years of law enforcement service.

A thorough, transparent search for the next chief was conducted with support from the ÐÔÊӽ紫ý Police Chiefs Association, and it included visits with campus leaders, students, faculty and staff members, and ÐÔÊӽ紫ý Police officers and staff.

Metzger will work with sworn and civilian ÐÔÊӽ紫ýPD staff, university administrators, law enforcement partners, and other key stakeholders over the coming months to ensure a smooth transition that prioritizes the continued safety and well-being of the ÐÔÊӽ紫ý community.