Hugh Clements has been appointed to the role of vice president for public safety and emergency management and chief of police effective immediately, President Christina Paxson P’19 P’MD’20 announced in a Wednesday morning email to the Brown community. Clements has served as interim vice president and chief since December.
The day before the announcement, former vice president for public safety and police chief Rodney Chatman officially ended his tenure at Brown as part of an approved workers’ compensation settlement proposal, The Herald previously reported. According to Wednesday’s announcement, Chatman’s employment with the University ended this month.
Clements was appointed to the interim role on Dec. 22, 2025, replacing Chatman after he was placed on administrative leave following the Dec. 13 mass shooting.
Since arriving at Brown, “Clements has helped guide Brown toward becoming a secure campus defined by preparedness, vigilance and mutual care,” Paxson wrote.
Clements's responsibilities as vice president and chief of police include leading Brown’s police department, overseeing coordinated emergency response and leading campus-wide safety initiatives, Paxson wrote.
“Clements is well positioned to serve as a critical leadership voice as we work collectively to determine what it means to be a campus that effectively balances robust security measures with sustaining a welcoming community,” Paxson wrote.
This is a developing story. Check back for more updates.
Emily Feil is a university news and metro editor covering staff & student labor and RISD. She is from Long Beach, NY and plans to concentrate in English and international & public affairs. In her free time, she can be found watching bad TV and reading good books.
