Connecticut State Community College’s (CT State) Chief of Police Chris Chute has been named one of 12 national finalists for Campus Safety magazine’s Campus Safety Director of the Year award.
The annual recognition highlights campus safety leaders who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and commitment to fostering secure environments at colleges, universities, K-12 schools, and health care facilities across the United States and Canada.
“It’s a true honor to be recognized alongside so many dedicated professionals,” said Chute. “This is a reflection of the tireless efforts of our entire safety team at CT State. Their focus and professionalism make our campuses safer every day.”
Chute was among 200 nominations from across the country for the award. Judges evaluated nominees on a range of criteria including departmental leadership, community engagement, cost-effective safety strategies, and operational excellence.
“Chief Chute has brought vision and momentum to public safety across our college,” said CT State President John Maduko, M.D. “His work has created a more unified, responsive safety infrastructure, and his leadership continues to strengthen our commitment to the well-being of students and staff.”
Since joining CT State in 2023, Chute has overseen a series of key reforms and improvements aimed at standardizing and modernizing campus security operations throughout the 12-campus college with 17 locations. Among his most significant initiatives:
- Integrated radio communication systems and standardized officer equipment
- Centralized dispatch services across multiple campuses
- Enhanced emergency alert and mass notification systems
- Developed uniform emergency drill protocols, including evacuation, lockdown, and shelter-in-place procedures
- Led the department in achieving Connecticut Police Officer Standards and Training Council (POSTC) Accreditation Tier I and Tier III
- Implemented a standardized ID system
- Organized full-scale emergency response drills in collaboration with campus leaders
- Hired sworn officers and civilian safety personnel to meet growing needs
- Provided crisis management and mental health first aid training to all public safety staff
- Established new partnerships with safety, mental health, and law enforcement organizations
- Launched a training and certification tracking system for officers
- Deployed new records management tools and upgraded surveillance systems
Chute works closely with faculty, staff, students, and local agencies to promote a collaborative approach to campus safety. His tenure has emphasized preparedness, communication, and the use of technology to support proactive policing.
Before joining CT State, Chute spent more than 26 years with the New Britain Police Department, where he held a series of leadership positions including chief of police. He holds a master’s degree in computer information technology and a bachelor’s degree in political science and public administration. He is also certified as a forensic computer examiner and polygraph examiner.
Campus Safety magazine’s Director of the Year award is now in its 18th year. The winner will be announced in July during the 2025 Campus Safety Conference.
