Brian Ianuzzi was named the chief of University Police near the end of the 2023 fall semester. He officially assumed the position in mid-November of last year.
“I saw this exceptional opportunity come up,” said Ianuzzi. “After two years of being retired (from the Pennsylvania State Police), I was ready to get back into the workforce.
“Opportunities in central Pennsylvania for police leadership are few and far between.”
Ianuzzi spent 25 years with the Pennsylvania State Police, where he rose through the ranks serving in various positions. He retired at the rank of captain.
“When I retired, I felt it was time to spend more time with my kids and find a job closer to home.”
While this is his first time working day-to-day in a higher-education environment, Ianuzzi has coordinated trooper staffing for Penn State home football games and has worked with PSU officials on various cases through the years.
Ianuzzi said his approach to policing is a thoughtful one. He said he is learning the culture of the University.
“Coming in and being a bull in a china closet is not the answer,” said Ianuzzi.
“You’re not going to make good decisions if you don’t understand the culture.”
His goals include fostering stronger understanding and engagement between his officers and students.
“I need to submerse myself in the culture at Saint Francis and I need to stay engaged with the students,” said Ianuzzi.
The new chief said that he intends to take a closer look at parking enforcement.
“We want to make sure parking is handled in a fair and equitable manner,” said Ianuzzi.
Ianuzzi introduced himself to SFU students at the Student Government Association’s meeting on Jan. 25.
Ianuzzi resides in Altoona with his wife and two children, ages 12 and 13. He is a 1993 graduate of the University of Pittsburgh and a graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s National Academy.
