Kevin Rice named Clery compliance coordinator
The Clery Act is a federal law that requires colleges and universities to share crime statistics through an annual report.
Kevin Rice has been named the Clery compliance coordinator for the Virginia Tech Police Department. He assumed the role on Dec. 10 after the former coordinator retired.
“Kevin brings a wealth of experience in both law enforcement and Clery compliance experience to Virginia Tech, and we are excited for him to join our team,” said Mac Babb, chief of police.
As the Clery compliance coordinator, Rice works with detectives and officers within the police department to review crime reports and update the daily crime log. “Students, parents, faculty, and staff have the right and obligation to know what’s happening on their campus,” said Rice. “That daily log is our transparency.”
Rice is also responsible for the creation of the Annual Campus Security and Fire Safety Report which is required by law. These reports are published by the Virginia Tech Police Department as required by the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act, also known as the Clery Act. This federal law requires colleges and universities that receive federal funding to maintain certain statistics on crimes that happen on campus. The purpose of the report is to provide information about security on campus that includes:
- Campus and community crime statistics
- Policy information
- Safety tips
- Resource phone numbers
- A brief overview of the many services the university provides
The report includes statistics for Clery reportable offenses such as serious crimes, disciplinary referrals, hate crimes, Violence Against Women Act crimes, hazing activities that occur on campus, and fires that happen in residence halls. “I have been impressed during my short period of time here by how everyone is on board with it [the Clery Act]. From faculty members to department members, everyone understands the importance of it,” said Rice.
Before joining Virginia Tech, Rice served as the security director for Husson University. There, he gained experience in creating reports for the Clery Act. He also spearheaded the first threat assessment team for the university. He then transitioned to the University of Iowa to work for its threat assessment team before coming to Virginia Tech.
Rice received a bachelor's degree from the University of Central Florida in criminal justice and a master’s degree in public administration from Troy State University.
After receiving his bachelor’s degree, he became a police officer in Orlando, Florida, and worked patrol for four years. His next career journey landed him his dream job with the U.S. Secret Service. He began his role as a secret service agent in the Orlando office, eventually becoming a polygrapher for the Secret Service, a title only held by about 18 agents nationwide. He ended as the special agent in charge of the Phoenix field office before transitioning to public safety roles at universities.
