Tim Ryan promoted to Captain of OUPD

The Ohio University Police Department (OUPD) has promoted Tim Ryan to the rank of Captain, effective Aug. 6, 2024. Ryan’s promotion follows the retirement of Captain George Harlow, who concluded his distinguished service with OUPD on July 31, 2024.

“I’m really excited to be stepping into this new role,” Capt. Ryan said. “As a proud Bobcat, I view serving the Ohio University community as a tremendous honor.  Ohio University is filled with incredible people, and I’m looking forward to the opportunity to work more closely with our community to enhance safety and foster an environment where everyone feels respected and valued.”

Capt. Ryan, who previously served as a Staff Lieutenant, has been a valued member of the OUPD team, known for his extensive connections within the University community and his commitment to campus safety. In his new role as Captain, he will continue to leverage his experience and strong community ties to advance the department’s mission of ensuring a safe and secure environment for all Ohio University students, staff, and faculty.

“Captain Ryan is a long-serving and valued member of OUPD who brings a great deal of experience to the job,” said OUPD Chief of Police Andrew Powers. “In addition, he has tremendous peer support within the department, and among his colleagues across campus. During the promotional process, Captain Ryan received universal praise for his leadership, integrity, and professionalism, as well as his humanity, kindness, and compassion. I look forward to seeing Captain Ryan continue to do great things for the department and our community in his new role.”

Capt. Ryan brings 20 years of experience at OUPD to his new position, including service as a patrol officer, field training officer, member of the SWAT team, detective, lieutenant, and staff lieutenant. In addition to working patrol for several years, Capt. Ryan has considerable experience with criminal investigations and threat assessment, background and internal investigations, public information, and Constitutional case law. He has also led the department’s implementation of a new CAD/RMS system, upgraded OUPD’s communications center, coordinated the creation of a virtualized communications center with County 911, and implemented the department’s body worn camera program. He is currently overseeing OUPD’s transition to new portable radios and recently served briefly as the Acting Chief of Police.

Captains are at the second level of command in the police department, assisting the Chief of Police with overall management and leadership of the department.  This specific position will oversee areas such as policy and procedure, public information, compliance (Ohio Collaborative, Clery Act, etc.), internal affairs, community relations, criminal investigations, and the recruitment and hiring process.