Meet DPS Chief Lauretta Hill
Chief Lauretta Hill shared how her nearly 30 years in law enforcement and her roles as a mother, sister, aunt, and wife have shaped her approach to leadership at USC. At the “Meet the Chief” event she emphasized the importance of care, connection, and proactive engagement. Her philosophy is simple but powerful you will know your DPS officer before you need to call them so you feel like you belong—not just represented.
Q&A: Getting to know USC Department of Public Safety Chief Lauretta Hill
Chief Lauretta Hill brings nearly 30 years of law enforcement experience, including leading Dallas College through a major organizational merger, to her role at USC. In this Q&A she shares the university’s ONE USC Safety Vision, which focuses on trust, inclusion, respect, and belonging. She also highlights the MHART program that supports mental health responses, the importance of transparency, and the value of a collective approach to safety that engages the entire Trojan community.
Chief Lauretta Hill to lead DPS
USC has appointed Lauretta Hill—an accomplished law enforcement leader with nearly three decades of experience—as Assistant Vice President and Chief of Public Safety. Starting January 23, she’ll bring her transformational leadership to USC after six years as Chief of Police at Dallas College, where she unified seven campus departments into one cohesive agency and enhanced transparency and accountability. Known as a team builder, Hill's inclusive, community-oriented approach aligns with USC’s “ONE USC Safety Vision,” aimed at ensuring that every student, staff member, faculty, and neighbor feels respected and safe.
Black in Blue Podcast
In this episode Chief Lauretta Hill talks about her journey to becoming the chief of police at Dallas College. She shares how her experiences in Miami and Arlington and her work unifying multiple campus departments have shaped her approach to public safety and community leadership.
Lauretta Hill authored an article in August edition of IACP Magazine
In today’s high-stakes policing landscape, law enforcement leaders face mounting pressures from both external oversight—like DOJ investigations—and internal demands for accountability and fairness. This article explores how recognizing and managing risk isn’t just about avoiding trouble—it’s a strategic leadership imperative. Key points include how risk-aware decision-making helps protect agency finances, reputation, and community trust, and how proactive risk management can shield agencies from costly legal and relational fallout. A must-read for leaders aiming to lead with resilience and foresight.
Lauretta Hill presents concealed carry policy to DCCCD board of trustees
DCCCD Trustees Approve Concealed Carry Policy
Members of the Dallas County Community College District’s board of trustees unanimously approved the system’s new concealed carry policy during their regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, June 6.
The new policy will be implemented on Aug. 1, 2017, as required by state law.
Lauretta Hill sworn in as Police Commissioner
First DCCCD Commissioner of Public Safety, Security Sworn In
Lauretta Hill is sworn in by Dr. Joe May as husband Maurice holds Bible
Dr. Joe May (right), DCCCD’s chancellor, administers the oath of office to Lauretta Hill, the district’s first commissioner of public safety and security, as Hill’s husband, Maurice, holds a Bible during the ceremony. Hill received her badge following the swearing-in.
(DALLAS) — The first commissioner of public safety and security for the Dallas County Community College District, Lauretta Hill, was sworn in today by Dr. Joe May, DCCCD’s chancellor. Representatives from law enforcement agencies across the Dallas-Fort Worth area attended the ceremony, along with family members and friends.
“Today really is a great day,” said May. “I’ve reflected on the role of our outstanding police officers across the Dallas County Community College District at our seven colleges and multiple locations, as well as the communities we serve. Our officers are people we trust, and we rely on them every day.”
He added, “It’s difficult to understand how they can run toward — instead of away from — danger as our El Centro police did last year on July 7. I am excited to welcome Commissioner Hill. Under her direction and through the work of all of our officers, I know that our students will have the same opportunities in the future to learn and grow as they have in the past.”
Hill, who was joined by her husband, youngest son and her parents, said, “Thank you for the opportunity to serve. That’s what I do — I serve. I am a public servant, and that is my calling.”
She also discussed the need for all police departments and officers to fix relationships with their communities. “We are going through a tumultuous professional period. It is our responsibility to all work together and fix this problem. And we want to make DCCCD the best police department in the community,”
DCCCD’s board of trustees approved her appointment last June; her first day on the job was Monday, Aug. 8, 2016.
Hill is responsible for managing the district’s public safety operations and initiatives, including campus safety, campus policing, emergency medical response and preparedness. She oversees a staff of more than 150 people and also is responsible for recruiting, hiring, handling performance evaluations and numerous other duties. Her new job at DCCCD marks the first time Hill is working in her hometown.
The new commissioner has shattered a number of glass ceilings in law enforcement.
Hill came to Dallas from the city of Miami Beach, where she served as deputy police chief for the past two years. She was the first black woman to serve in that job as “number two” in the police command, and she also was the highest-ranking black officer in Miami Beach.
A graduate of the University of Texas at Arlington with a master’s degree from Texas Christian University, Hill started her law enforcement career in 1994. During her 20 years with the Arlington Police Department, she rose to the rank of assistant police chief, a first for a black woman. While in Arlington, she led the security operations for Super Bowl XLV in 2011 — the first time the Super Bowl was played in Dallas-Fort Worth. Hill also led security operations for the 2010 NBA All-Star game. Both events were held at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington.
A graduate of the FBI National Academy and a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, Hill has received numerous commendations.
For more information, contact Debra Dennis in the DCCCD office of public and governmental affairs at 214-378-1851 or Ann Hatch at 214-378-1819.
DCCCD Welcomes First Commisioner of Public Safety, Security
The Dallas County Community College District (DCCCD) has made history by appointing Lauretta Hill as its first Commissioner of Public Safety and Security. With deep ties to her hometown and a trailblazing law enforcement career—including leadership roles in Arlington and Miami Beach—Hill steps into this brand-new role to unify and enhance safety across all seven campuses. Learn how her leadership is shaping a safer tomorrow.
[Read the full article]