Shocking Details Behind Brown University’s Safety Chief Emerge in Wake of Shooting [WATCH]

Brown University campus safety chief Rodney Chatman previously lost a senior law enforcement position at the University of Utah after failing to obtain required credentials and amid an investigation into alleged criminal violations, according to university records and public statements.

The University of Utah Department of Public Safety disclosed the circumstances surrounding Chatman’s departure in a December 18, 2020, post, stating that Chatman had been hired on February 17, 2020, without possessing all of the certifications required to hold the position.

The university said Chatman was given one year to obtain those credentials but failed to do so.

The post explained that, despite lacking Utah Peace Officer Standards and Training certification, Chatman was granted full authority to oversee the University of Utah Police Department during his tenure.

“Over the past year despite not yet being Utah POST certified, Rodney had full authority to oversee University of Utah Police as a university department head, including making personnel, strategy and budget decisions,” the statement said.

“This is a common practice for veteran law enforcement leaders coming from outside the state who need to seek certification.”

The statement further revealed that Chatman was placed on leave after university officials learned of an investigation by the Utah State Attorney General’s Office into allegations that Chatman may have violated guidelines that were also described as criminal offenses.

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University leadership said those allegations could have adversely affected his ability to obtain or maintain Utah POST certification.

“Prior to placing Rodney on leave earlier this week, I was made aware of an investigation by the Utah State Attorney General’s Office into allegations Rodney may have violated certain guidelines that are also criminal offenses, which could also adversely impact his Utah POST certification,” the statement said.

“This is a serious matter and I have expressed the university’s intent to cooperate fully in the AG’s investigation.”

The statement added that, while the university acknowledged Chatman’s work during his time at Utah, officials concluded they could not overlook the allegations or their potential impact on his certification status.

“While I appreciate the important work Rodney has done on behalf of university safety over the past year, I cannot overlook these allegations and the impact they might have on his ability to maintain an active Utah POST certification,” the statement continued.

“Hence, I made the decision to place Rodney on leave and have asked deputy chief Jason Hinojosa to oversee day-to-day operations of the police until this matter is resolved.”

Less than a year later, Brown University announced that Chatman had been hired into a senior campus safety role.

In a July 20, 2021, release, Brown said Chatman would serve as Vice President of Campus Safety.

The university’s announcement described Chatman as, “An accomplished leader with decades of law enforcement experience in municipal and higher education settings,” and said he would “direct Brown’s Department of Public Safety and oversee campus-wide safety efforts.”

“As we continue to assess and strengthen campus safety practices amid the critical national debate around policing and justice, we are set to welcome a truly accomplished leader who is ideally positioned to guide this work at Brown.” – Brown University President Christina H. Paxson

Chatman’s past employment history resurfaced this week following a deadly shooting on Brown University’s campus.

Two people were shot and killed Saturday, and nine others were shot and injured.

FOX News host Jesse Watters addressed the situation during his show Wednesday night, raising questions about Chatman’s role and whereabouts during the ongoing search for the suspect.

Watters asked viewers where Chatman had been during the days-long manhunt for the Brown University shooter.

He also referenced comments Chatman previously made about policing.

“Well, we just discovered the Brown University police chief isn’t a big fan of policing. He once said this, ‘Communities don’t want policing done to them,’” Watters said.

Watters then discussed Chatman’s prior tenure at the University of Utah, pointing to the circumstances surrounding his removal from that position.

“He was suspended, because he didn’t have the proper credentials,” Watters said.

🚨 MUST WATCH: You could not have found a more incompetent group of corrupt morons who are leading the investigation into the shooting at Brown University:

– Brown’s head of campus security was fired from his last job for not having the proper credentials.
– Brown’s President… pic.twitter.com/1Hl4IpHBSP

— CJ Pearson (@Cjpearson) December 18, 2025

The scrutiny comes as Brown University faces questions about campus safety following the shooting, which left multiple victims dead and injured and a suspect still at large.