Edith Hudson, former assistant chief of police for the Milwaukee Police Department, took command of Marquette University Police Department Dec. 17 as chief of police.
Hudson is the first female chief of MUPD.
“I’m proud to be a woman and to use my unique skills to lead MUPD to continued success,” Hudson said.
MUPD had been without a chief since May 2018 due to the resignation of former Police Chief Paul Mascari. This resignation followed Mascari’s arrest in January 2018 for driving while intoxicated.
Capt. Jeff Kranz was chosen as interim chief. Both Hudson and Kranz were previously tactical leaders in MPD, Kranz said.
“I have worked with Chief Hudson in the past and find her to be a leader that brings knowledge from many different aspects of policing but also the patience to share that knowledge with her staff,” Kranz said.
According to a university news release, Hudson’s experience in MPD included her role as 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 Domestic Violence Unit in the Sensitive Crimes Division. She was also a supervisor with the Tactical Enforcement Unit. She said these experiences helped her develop knowledge and skills to support the Marquette community.
She retired from MPD in 2015 after serving for 25 years. She then served as a security manager for Wisconsin operations at Briggs & Stratton Corp., according to the release. After her retirement, she had time to work on changing her mindset from a municipal policing mindset to one that revolved around a campus environment, she said.
Lt. Jill Weisensel said this was the first time MUPD externally hired a police chief, but she said the transition has gone well she said. MUPD is doing everything it can to make Hudson’s transition as seamless and welcoming as possible, she said.
“I anticipate a very smooth transition to Chief Hudson over the coming weeks and months,” Kranz said. “This is a very complex environment, so it’s going to be a strategic, organized process rather than a handoff of duties.”
Although MUPD will continue executing its goals, a new chief can bring changes. A new perspective will give MUPD the opportunity to evolve, Kranz said.
Weisensel said there is always change when a new executive is brought in, but she said it is a good thing.
“Hudson is sincere in her excitement to be here and it is clear that she genuinely cares about the officers, students and entire MU community,” Weisensel said.
Hudson said students can expect MUPD officers to continue to be committed to fulfilling the University’s mission, creating a safe and secure environment, and engaging proactively with students, faculty and staff.
“My plan is to spend time thoughtfully assessing the operation of MUPD, ensuring that our policing practices are effective, efficient and consistent with Marquette University’s mission,” Hudson said.
She said she also plans to be heavily engaged with the Marquette community by walking around campus.
“Don’t be surprised to see me in residence halls, the (Alumni Memorial Union), at student events and perhaps visiting a classroom or two,” Hudson said. “You will certainly see me walking around campus, so make sure to stop and say hi and introduce yourself.”
