New Purdue Police Chief Lesley Wiete sworn in during campus ceremony

Lesley Wiete, the new chief of the Purdue University Police Department, was officially sworn in during an on-campus ceremony on Sept. 14.

Wiete was joined by her family, law enforcement colleagues, campus partners and supporters for the ceremony, which included the presentation of colors and comments from Purdue President Mitch Daniels and Jay Wasson, vice president for physical facilities and chief public safety officer. During the event, Wiete took the officer’s oath, and her family joined her onstage for the pinning ceremony.

Lesley Wiete, the new chief of the Purdue University Police Department, and her husband, Lt. Stason Wiete of the West Lafayette Police Department, speak to Purdue President Mitch Daniels at the swearing-in ceremony on Sept. 14. Download image

“I’m honored to be standing here as the next Purdue chief of police,” Wiete said. “I’m looking forward to building on my existing relationships throughout Purdue, the Greater Lafayette community and the state of Indiana to help ensure the continued safety and security of our campus community.”

Wiete’s appointment was effective Sept. 1 following a comprehensive national search. Wiete is a 22-year veteran of the PUPD who started her career as a patrol officer and subsequently held the positions of sergeant of patrol, lieutenant of patrol, captain of administrative services and deputy chief of police. Wiete recently graduated from the elite Northwestern School of Police Staff and Command, an intensive leadership and management program for experienced law enforcement officers.