Paul Cooper has been appointed the next chief of police for the University of California, Irvine, effective September 4, 2026. Cooper has been a member of the UC Irvine Police Department since 2018, having served the university in multiple capacities including assistant chief of police and twice as interim chief, most recently from June through August of this year. He succeeds Liz Griffin, who retired in June after serving as UCIPD chief since May 2019.
In his new permanent role, Chief Cooper will oversee the core operational and administrative functions of the department. This includes direct responsibility for patrol services, departmental administration, and investigative units. He will also manage emergency preparedness and response through the emergency management division, ensuring public safety protocols are maintained across the campus.
Cooper's oversight extends beyond the main campus to include public safety services at all UCI Health medical centers. These facilities are located in Irvine, Orange, Fountain Valley, Los Alamitos, Lakewood, and Placentia. His role will require him to represent the UCIPD on the campus, at these medical centers, and throughout neighboring communities. Additionally, he is tasked with collaborating with outside law enforcement agencies, participating in various committees, and developing partnerships to enhance public safety across the entire university system.
Mary Lou D. Ortiz, UC Irvine’s chief financial officer and vice chancellor for finance & administration, commented on the appointment. Ortiz stated that Chief Cooper possesses "a long, demonstrated history of commitment" to the safety, security, and well-being of the UC Irvine community. She highlighted his leadership experience, collaborative approach, and deep knowledge of the campus, expressing confidence that these qualities would ensure "continuity of operations" and the continued delivery of exceptional public safety services.
Chief Cooper brings extensive law enforcement experience to the position. His career in law enforcement began in 1985 with the Claremont Police Department, where he served as chief of police from 2006 until 2016. He joined UC Irvine in 2018 as assistant police chief. In this capacity, Cooper was responsible for overseeing police department and public safety operations not only across the main campus and UC Irvine’s medical centers but also at the UC Irvine Langson Orange County Museum of Art in Costa Mesa.
Chief Cooper expressed his anticipation, stating he looks forward to working with the department's dedicated officers and professional staff to provide "the highest level of service and protection" for the campus community and medical centers.
Academically, Cooper earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the Union Institute & University. He is also a graduate of the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) executive development and Command College programs, further augmenting his leadership qualifications. Additionally, he has completed the UC Irvine Inclusive Excellence Certificate Program, reflecting a commitment to university-specific values.
This appointment places a seasoned leader at the helm of public safety for UC Irvine, impacting its substantial student body of over 36,000, its faculty and staff, and the extended UCI Health network across Orange County and beyond.
