Advancing its mission to protect, serve and educate the university community, the Utah Tech Police Department has named Wes LiCalzi as its new chief of police.
“The safety of Trailblazer Nation is the top priority of the university, and the work Chief LiCalzi has already done in this effort is impressive,” Paul Morris, UT’s vice president of administrative affairs, said. “Chief LiCalzi has a profound understanding of the campus needs inherent in true community-based policing and is dedicated to implementing policies and practices that will help keep the Utah Tech University community safe. He fosters a high level of comfort between UTPD and our students, faculty and staff, and I’m excited to see the continued impact he will have on campus.”
LiCalzi, who has been serving as Utah Tech’s interim chief of police since Jan. 1, began his law enforcement career in 2008. Throughout his career, LiCalzi has served with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Washington City Police, Springdale Police and Utah Tech University since 2020, in both reserve and full-time capacities.
LiCalzi’s experience includes leadership roles such as a detective sergeant overseeing special investigations, major crimes, digital forensics, crime analysis and crime scene processing. He also has served as a patrol sergeant, shift supervisor, commander of the Crisis (Hostage) Negotiations Unit, firearms instructor, active shooter instructor and field trainer. He holds certifications in force science, digital forensics, FEMA incident command, crisis intervention, computer voice stress analysis, crime scene diagramming and intelligence liaison.
Additionally, his commitment to learning advanced law enforcement initiatives is exemplified by his work with the Utah Attorney General’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and the Washington County Critical Incident Task Force.
As an alumnus of both Utah Tech and Arizona State University, LiCalzi has both deep ties and an affinity for UT.
“I consider myself a product of this university and am excited to dedicate the skills I have learned throughout my law enforcement career to serve and represent Utah Tech University,” LiCalzi said.
LiCalzi leads a team of 14 officers who provide round-the-clock coverage of campus for the department, which is accredited by the Utah Chief of Police Associate and the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators. At the core of the department’s safety strategy lies a strong emphasis on community-oriented policing to deter potential crime through a visible presence, education and information sharing. Learn more about the Utah Tech Police Department at police.utahtech.edu.