Texas Wesleyan University has named Chris Beckrich its new director of campus safety and security. Beckrich began his new role Feb. 1.

Beckrich is a former lieutenant with the Fort Worth Police Department. He brings 30 years of security and law enforcement experience to Texas Wesleyan, and will oversee all aspects of the university’s security team. 

Beckrich served as a FWPD lieutenant for 19 years. Most recently, he supervised the Central Division Detective Office, Neighborhood Police Officers, Bike Unit and the Code Blue program.

He has an extensive background in managing and supervising security personnel, as well as collaborating with business and citizen groups to provide a safety and security approach that meets the needs of each organization. 

“Chris’s background in law enforcement, experience in developing and supervising security teams, and knowledge of the Fort Worth community make him a wonderful asset to Texas Wesleyan,” Pati Alexander, vice president for enrollment and student services, said.

“His experience with the Fort Worth Police Department, both as a first-hand responder and manager of police divisions, helps us build on the new campus security measures Texas Wesleyan has developed in recent years.”

Over the last two years, Texas Wesleyan has made several security enhancements including:

• Six emergency call boxes installed around campus (to be installed by mid-March)
• 38 security cameras
• Electronic gates and fencing surrounding residence halls with key card access
• Additional/enhanced lighting across campus, including parking lots, and all exterior lighting fitted with brighter LED bulbs
• Five security officers contracted through Sunstates Security to provide around-the-clock safety and trained extensively in emergency management
• A full-time, around-the-clock security dispatcher
• Additional off-duty FWPD officers contracted to monitor basketball and soccer games, and to provide additional campus monitoring seven days a week

Beckrich lives in Fort Worth with his wife, Cindy’88.