According to records, John Freeman was the first officer to serve at the University of Washington. He served during the summer of 1902, and with him the University Safety and Security Division was born. The first Chief was "Pop" Bloom, an ex-Prussian officer who rode an Indian motorcycle and did not carry a gun. Once asked by a fellow officer what he would do if someone ever pulled a gun on him, Bloom responded by pulling a long bladed knife out of his belt and throwing it at the nearest wall. Fast and accurate, he proved that a gun was not a necessary part of his job. After Pop Bloom the position of Chief was passed on to Herb Davies, and then on to Ed Kanz in 1950. Kanz came to the University after serving as the Chief of Police for Walla Walla, WA. He stayed in this position until his untimely death from a heart attack in 1971.
It was during this time that the University became a focus for Vietnam War demonstrations. The late 1960s and early 1970s saw many changes in society which impacted the University Safety and Security Division as it evolved into the University of Washington Police Department. Repeatedly the department was mobilized to counteract the tens of thousands of Vietnam War demonstrators who descended upon the University. Across the nation, university and college campuses lost their protected status as learning centers to become magnets to political discussions and activism, and occasionally to violence. The University Police were awakened to this first hand as the Administration Building was bombed once, Clark Hall (ROTC) was bombed twice, and a second ROTC building set on fire. This was the situation when Michael G. Shanahan became Chief of Police in 1971.
One of Shanahan's goals was to balance the changes that the Vietnam era had created at the University. Increasingly crimes that had occurred only in the city of Seattle's jurisdiction were happening on campus. Shanahan used skilled personnel, new techniques, and innovative programs to control these growing crime rates. Areas of concern such as dormitories, bicycle theft, community involvement, and safety were brought into focus. Special Activities Patrols, the Crime Prevention Unit, a special "Blue Blazer" patrol, and a Law Enforcement Explorer Post were all created during the 1970s. These programs were implemented with great success and often national recognition. Ray Fisler, one of the founding officers of the "Blue Blazer" patrol, was invited to the White House for congratulations from the President of the United States. This success continued when in 1988 and 1993, the Washington Association of Police Chiefs and Sheriffs awarded the University of Washington Police a Law Enforcement Accreditation. Shanahan's involvement in the Washington Association of Police Chiefs and Sheriffs and in the International Association of Police Chiefs helped him advance the professionalism of law enforcement in Washington State.
Chief Shanahan retired in June of 1995, and his successor was Roger Serra. During Serra's four years as Chief of Police, the University Police Department received the Jeanne Clery National Safe Campus Award in 1995, a First Place Award for a Federal or State Agency in the International Vehicle Design Competition in 1997, and was again awarded a Law Enforcement Accreditation in 1998. Roger Serra retired as Chief of Police in June 1999.
Vicky M. (Peltzer) Stormo became the sixth Chief of Police in August of 1999.
At present, the University of Washington Police Department provides law enforcement to the largest college and stadium in Washington State. It also provides security to visiting dignitaries and during demonstrations. The Police Department serves a vital role in the safety, security, and success of the University of Washington.