Carl Metzger ’03MS, a law enforcement executive with more than 29 years’ experience, including the past four as a deputy chief at UCF, has been selected as the next chief of the UCF Police Department.
Metzger will move into the role effective Friday. He also will serve as an associate vice president, overseeing UCF’s Department of Security and Emergency Management.
Prior to joining UCFPD, where he’s led the operations bureau, Metzger rose through the ranks of the Orlando Police Department, retiring in 2014 as the patrol services bureau commander. He started his career in 1989 as a patrol officer at OPD.
Metzger serves on the board of directors for the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Greater Orlando, Central Florida Cares, and the Center for Law Enforcement Technology, Training and Research.
An avid runner and biker, Metzger has completed 20 marathons, including the Marine Corps and Boston marathons. He’s completed the 250-mile Police Unity Tour bike ride three times, helping raise money for the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington.
Metzger holds a bachelor’s in finance from the University of Florida and a master’s in criminal justice from UCF. He and his wife, Linda, have three adult children.
Metzger replaces UCF Police Chief Emeritus Richard Beary, who retired earlier this month after 41 years of law enforcement service.
A thorough, transparent search for the next chief was conducted with support from the Florida Police Chiefs Association, and it included visits with campus leaders, students, faculty and staff members, and UCF Police officers and staff.
Metzger will work with sworn and civilian UCFPD staff, university administrators, law enforcement partners, and other key stakeholders over the coming months to ensure a smooth transition that prioritizes the continued safety and well-being of the UCF community.