AUSTIN (Talk1370.com) -- University of Texas Police Department Chief David Carter passed away after a long battle with cancer, the department announced Friday morning.
Carter was 64 years old. He joined UTPD in 2013, the latest chapter in a 38-year law enforcement career.
He graduated from Texas A&M University and began his career in 1983 in Bryan, before joining the Austin Police Department two years later. He spent 28 years at APD, rising to serve as the department's Chief of Staff.
In addition to his role as UTPD chief, he also served as UT-Austin's Assistant Vice President of Campus Security, where he worked to enhance relationships on security matters with members of the university community, including students, families and the City of Austin.
“It saddens me deeply that we lost such an integral part of our university community,” said UT-Austin President Jay Hartzell. “Chief Carter not only understood the impact of policing, he also embraced the role of our force in protecting and supporting our students and the university community. My deep-felt condolences go out to his family, friends and colleagues who all share in this great loss of an outstanding leader.”
Under Carter's time at APD, he initiated, developed, and implemented the Austin Regional Intelligence Center (ARIC), one of 78 nationally recognized fusion centers. He launched a revised data analytics process focusing on increasing effectiveness, efficiency, and crime reduction results. He oversaw the development of the city and regional security response for the 2012 inaugural Formula One race.
Over the course of his career, Carter held positions of hostage negotiator, SWAT officer, SWAT commander, homicide detective, and Internal Affairs investigator.
“UTPD has not only lost a decorated leader, we have lost a member of our family,” said UTPD acting Chief Don Verett. “Chief Carter was admired and respected by all of the law enforcement professionals who were fortunate to work under his leadership and instruction. His body of work and reputation continue to be an inspiration to UTPD, and we will continue to look to Chief Carter as an example to live up to.”
Carter is survived by his wife and daughter.
