Paul Cooper has been appointed as the new chief of police for the University of California, Irvine, effective September 4, 2026. Cooper has served the university since 2018, holding various positions within the UC Irvine Police Department, including assistant chief of police and interim chief on two separate occasions. His most recent tenure as interim chief ran from June through August of this year.
In his new role, Chief Cooper will oversee a broad range of responsibilities essential to public safety across the university’s operations. These duties include patrol, administration, investigations, and emergency management. He will also be responsible for public safety services at UCI Health medical centers located in Irvine, Orange, Fountain Valley, Los Alamitos, Lakewood, and Placentia, extending his oversight beyond the main campus. Cooper's role involves representing the UCIPD on campus, at the medical centers, and throughout neighboring communities. He is also tasked with collaborating with outside law enforcement agencies, serving on relevant committees, and fostering partnerships to enhance public safety across the university.
Mary Lou D. Ortiz, UC Irvine’s chief financial officer and vice chancellor for finance & administration, commented on Cooper's 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 further highlighted that his leadership experience, collaborative approach, and deep knowledge of the campus community are expected to ensure continuity of operations and the continued delivery of public safety services.
Cooper’s career in law enforcement began in 1985 with the Claremont Police Department, where he eventually served as chief of police from 2006 until 2016. He then joined the UC Irvine Police Department in 2018 as assistant police chief. In this previous capacity, Cooper was responsible for supervising police department and public safety operations not only across the UC Irvine campus and its medical centers, but also at the UC Irvine Langson Orange County Museum of Art, located in Costa Mesa.
Regarding his new position, Cooper stated his anticipation for collaboration. He said, "I look forward to working with our team of dedicated police officers and professional staff to provide the campus community and medical centers with the highest level of service and protection." His academic background includes a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the Union Institute & University. He is also a graduate of several advanced law enforcement programs, including the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) executive development and Command College programs. Additionally, Cooper has completed the UC Irvine Inclusive Excellence Certificate Program.
Chief Cooper succeeds Liz Griffin, who served as UCIPD chief from May 2019 until her retirement in June of this year.
The University of California, Irvine, established in 1965, is a notable institution within the region. It is recognized as a member of the Association of American Universities and has been ranked among the nation’s top 10 public universities by U.S. News & World Report. With over 36,000 students and 224 degree programs, the campus is led by Chancellor Howard Gillman. UC Irvine is Orange County’s second-largest employer, contributing an estimated $7 billion annually to the local economy and $8 billion statewide. Its public safety leadership plays a role in maintaining the campus environment within what the university describes as one of the world’s safest and most economically vibrant communities.