Otterbein’s interim police chief is now its full-time police chief, as President Comerford officially swore in Chief of Police Paul Weiner on May 16, 2023. In addition to his family, Chief Weiner’s law enforcement brethren — including Westerville Police Chief Charles Chandler, many former colleagues, his two actual brothers, and his son (who are also law enforcement officers) — attended the swearing-in ceremony, which took place during National Police Week 2023. 

“I am humbled and honored for the opportunity to continue serving the Otterbein community in a more permanent capacity as Chief of Police. Otterbein has such a rich history of higher education and diversity. I see our faculty, staff, and students thriving and doing amazing things every day. I look forward to leading a part of the team that keeps Otterbein University a safe and welcoming community for everyone so that these amazing things can continue to be accomplished,” said Chief Weiner. 

Chief Weiner has been with the Otterbein Police Department since August of 2021, starting as a sergeant supervising the third shift, and has been serving officially as interim chief since January 2023. Before coming to Otterbein, Chief Weiner retired from the Columbus Division of Police after serving 31 years, the last 14 as a Lieutenant in Patrol, SWAT, Crimes Against Persons, and the Traffic Bureaus.  

But while his law enforcement experience is impressive, what makes him the right fit for Otterbein is something he shares with his fellow leaders in the Division of Student Affairs — his dedication to the students. 

“He is a leader with a service mindset and is always thinking about how his team can be out and about on the campus developing relationships with students, faculty, staff, and visitors,” said Vice President for Student Affairs Bill Fox. “He has chosen to work here because he cares deeply about helping our students have a positive and safe experience while at Otterbein.” 

Fox notes that Chief Weiner uses community feedback to improve operations, and has made a positive impact on staff hiring, training, and development in his time at Otterbein. 

President John Comerford performed the swearing in and expressed his gratitude to Chief Weiner for accepting the full-time appointment. 

“It’s our job to make sure that our students are ready to go out in the world and that means they need to be in a safe place where people are going to look out for them, and they need to be in a place where they’re going to be supported. Those are both exactly what our police do on this campus, and I’m extremely humbled and proud that when we needed him, Chief Weiner stepped into this leadership role,” Comerford said. “It means a lot to me personally and to everyone on this campus that he’s been willing to do this, so this is a great moment of pride for the entire campus that we get to do this today.” 

In addition to his law enforcement experience with OPD and CPD, Chief Weiner is a member of the Franklin County Chief’s Association, Delaware County Criminal Justice Association, Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police, International Association of Chiefs of Police, International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators, FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Association, and Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge # 9, among other professional organizations. He is also a United States Air Force Veteran (1985-1989).