Office of the Chief Operating Officer

Public Safety

The Office of Public Safety enhances the quality of life at Tulane University, by protecting, serving, and creating a safe and academically sound environment for the students, faculty, and staff at the University.

The departments that comprise the Office of Public Safety are:

Police Department: The Tulane University Police Department is a full-service, nationally accredited law enforcement agency with a clear mission: providing a secure and safe environment through professional law enforcement services that enhance the educational process.

Emergency Preparedness & Response: The Office of Emergency Preparedness & Response provides emergency planning for the University to prepare and respond to emergencies, disasters and catastrophic events.

Clery Compliance: The Office of Clery Compliance is responsible for ensuring compliance with the Jeanne Clery Act, which helps university officials meet standards for campus safety. 
 

Kirk Headshot

Associate Vice President, Office of Public Safety
 

Kirk Bouyelas

 

Kirk was appointed Associate Vice President of Public Safety & Community Engagement at Tulane University on January 1, 2024.  He oversees the Tulane University Police Department, the Office of Emergency Preparedness & Response, and the Office of Clery Compliance.

Prior to his appointment as the AVP of Public Safety, Kirk served as the Tulane University Chief of Police for 5 years. His career in law enforcement has spanned over 40 years.  Prior to joining Tulane, he spent over 31 years with the New Orleans Police Department, serving as both the Chief of Operations and the Chief of Investigations.  Upon retiring from the New Orleans Police Department, he continued his career serving as the Chief Investigator for the Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office.

Kirk is a member of the International Chiefs of Police, the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators, the Law Enforcement Executive Development, Association, the National Association of Clery Compliance Officers, and the Fraternal Order of Police. He has participated in numerous panel discussions and peer exchanges with organizations to include the Police Executive Research Forum, International Association of Chiefs of Police, Bureau of Justice Assistance, the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators, and the VERA Institute of Justice.  Chief Bouyelas has a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice Administration from Bellevue University.