[B]UNCC’s official statement on Marlene Hall[/B]
[I]The Office of Public Relations
Issue date: 11/27/06[/I]
On November 27, a Charlotte television station aired a report that raised questions about Chief and Director of Police and Public Safety Marlene Hall’s qualifications for her position. The report was based on contents of a letter written by someone who identified herself as a “concerned parent” of a UNC Charlotte student.
This letter was not sent directly to a UNC Charlotte employee, but was received afterward.
In order to clarify any confusion that resulted from the report, the University confirms that Marlene Hall fulfilled all criteria set forth by UNC Charlotte at the time she was interviewed and hired. Namely, she was eligible for certification as a law enforcement officer in North Carolina. Each state has its own criteria for certification and it is normal that a law enforcement officer entering from another state will be required to fulfill certain training requirements. Chief Hall is working toward completion of North Carolina requirements by March 15, 2007.
Chief Hall is qualified to perform her duties Director of Police and Public Services at UNC Charlotte. The search committee who interviewed her and recommended her appointment determined that Chief Hall was the best qualified applicant to lead the UNC Charlotte Police Department. The university stands by that decision.
Facts regarding Marlene Hall’s qualifications as Chief and Director of Police and Public Safety at UNC Charlotte
•What are Marlene’s Hall 's qualifications for police chief at UNC Charlotte?
In addition to the Peace Officer certification from Syracuse, N.Y., Chief Hall also completed the Basic Police School in the State of Tennessee in 1989. She will complete approximately 100 hours of additional training in order to transfer her certification to North Carolina. Hall is working to fulfill those requirements by March 15, 2007.
•Did UNC Charlotte choose the most qualified person from among the applicant for police chief?
The UNC Charlotte search committee, which included two current and one previously certified law enforcement officers (in the state of N.C.), reviewed 54 applications for the position, telephonically interviewed 10 of those applicants, conducted on-campus interviews for 4 finalists (with various members of the faculty, staff, and campus police department), and determined that Chief Hall was the best qualified applicant to lead the UNC Charlotte Police Department. The university stands by that decision.