Campus & Community

Claiborne and Giacoppo appointed HUPD deputy chiefs

2 min read

First step in a phased restructuring

The Harvard University Police Department (HUPD) is pleased to announce the hiring of two senior level managers, James Claiborne and Michael Giacoppo, to serve as deputy chiefs for operations.

The hiring of the deputy chiefs is the first step in a phased restructuring directed by HUPD Chief Francis Riley, who is deciding how to best implement recommendations from a committee report on University policing chaired by former Suffolk County District Attorney Ralph Martin, as well as from other internal and external reviews. The appointments are meant to increase avenues of communication, provide greater day-to-day oversight of department operations, and develop career growth opportunities and mentoring possibilities for officers. They also add senior-level experience and expertise for planning to meet the ongoing safety and security needs of the University.

James Claiborne comes from the Boston Police Department, where he has risen through the ranks over the last 30 years, holding numerous positions and assignments up to and including superintendent. His background with community policing, his management experience, and his experience working with Boston-area universities will be an asset to the department.

Michael Giacoppo retired in June from the Cambridge Police Department (CPD) after 35 years in law enforcement.  He was a police officer at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology before joining CPD, where he rose through the ranks holding numerous positions and assignments up to and including superintendent. In addition to his intimate knowledge of the Cambridge area and his experience working with HUPD, he will be a great resource given the range of his experience in law enforcement.

“I am excited to hire two high-level experienced individuals with excellent credentials. I have known both Jim and Mike professionally for a long time and feel that their outstanding track records in law enforcement leadership will benefit the HUPD greatly,” said Riley.