DECATUR, Ill. – is pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Martinsen as the new Director and Chief of Police, effective November 18, 2024.
With extensive experience in campus safety and policing, Martinsen will lead the institution’s efforts to enhance campus safety and foster a secure, inclusive environment for all students, faculty, and staff. Martinsen replaces former Director of Public Safety Chris Ballard, who left the position in October, and Interim Director of Public Safety David Beasley filled the position until Martinsen was hired.
“Michael brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to campus safety," 鶹Լ President Dr. Jim Reynolds said. “I’m confident that his leadership will ensure our campus community continues to thrive in a safe and welcoming environment."
Martinsen joins 鶹Լ with more than 20 years of experience in law enforcement, including tenors as Director of Campus Safety at Ohio University and Oberlin College. He has also held law enforcement positions in Cincinnati and Hamilton, Ohio.
“I'm very excited about coming to 鶹Լ and meeting everyone. The collaboration between the colleagues that I've met has been really incredible,” Martinsen said. “It almost feels like a family. The officers in the department and the people I met in the department have been very welcoming. I'm looking forward to working with them.”
Martinsen is optimistic about building a strong relationship between Big Blue students, faculty, staff, and the Office of Public Safety, which he sees as a pivotal partnership to a safe campus.
“One of the things that I was attracted to in this position is the fact that we incorporate students in the Department of Public Safety. The role they play across campus assists us in developing healthy relationships with the student body,” Martinsen said. “It sounds a little cliche, but we can't do it alone. Our students, faculty, staff, and our campus community are our eyes and ears. We need to forge healthy relationships with all of them so that they feel comfortable enough to share information with us.”
Martinsen has been married to his wife, Donna Martinsen, for 34 years, and the couple has four children.
For more information about Public Safety initiatives, visit the or call Public Safety at 217.464.8888.
About the Office of Public Safety
The Office of Public Safety is located in Walker Hall on the first floor at the north end. The office operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It is a combination office comprised of both sworn police officers and non-sworn security officers and dispatchers. A dispatcher is always in the dispatch center and can be reached by calling 217-464-8888 (8888 for on-campus phones) or through one of the “blue light” phones on campus.
