July 28, 2026
Dear Members of the Yale Community,
After a comprehensive national search, we are pleased to announce that John F. Healy will become chief of the Yale Police Department (YPD) effective August 1, 2026.
John currently serves as acting chief of the YPD and was selected through an extensive process involving senior university leaders, members of the Public Safety Advisory Board, Office of the Secretary and Vice President for University Life, Public Safety, a variety of administrative units, and representatives of the City of New Haven. He is an accomplished law enforcement leader who has served in both the Yale and New Haven Police Departments, building strong relationships with members of the campus and New Haven communities.
John began his law enforcement career with the New Haven Police Department (NHPD) in 2004 and rose through the ranks to captain. In that role, he oversaw the city’s investigative operations, leading a large team of detectives and making improvements to public safety infrastructure and operational efficiency. NHPD named John Officer of the Year in 2020. His collaborative approach to law enforcement has also earned him recognition from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, state leaders, and other organizations. John retired from the NHPD in 2023 and joined the YPD that same year as captain overseeing patrol operations, community engagement, and emergency services.
At Yale, John has guided the department through significant leadership transitions, while advancing Yale Public Safety and university initiatives. He has also fortified our strong relationship with the NHPD, leading meaningful pilot programs focused on maintaining exceptional levels of service and rapid response times to incidents affecting our community, such as noise complaints, disturbances, and theft.
John earned a bachelor’s degree in business and finance from Marist College, and a master’s degree in public administration from the University of New Haven. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and the Police Executive Research Forum Senior Management Institute for Policing.
John’s thoughtful and strategic leadership and collaborative approach will advance the public safety mission at Yale, bringing about new opportunities to support the Yale community and continue its partnership with New Haven. His proven commitment to professional integrity, transparency, and service above self, marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for our campus community.
Please join us in congratulating Chief John Healy.
Sincerely,
John Barden
Vice President for Campus Services and Technology
and
Duane Lovello
Head of Public Safety