Western Kentucky University has named Mitch Walker as interim chief of its police department. 

Walker, who has 26 years of law enforcement experience, is a patrol captain with the WKU Police Department. Walker will assume his new duties as interim chief Friday, following the retirement of WKU Police Chief Robert Deane. 

The announcement follows a consultant’s report last month that cited issues with low morale, staffing and policy requiring a “new direction” for the department. 

“In moving forward, I will use the assessment as a guide to make immediate changes within the department, both short- and long-term, in order to establish a solid foundation for the organization,” Walker said in a university news release. “Objectives include strengthening relationships and services with local law enforcement agencies and serving the students and their families, and faculty and staff with presence and accountability.”

Deane has questioned the report, saying in a statement last month that it “contains many untruths, exaggerations and inaccuracies.” 

Student Affairs Vice President Brian Kuster thanked Deane for his 18 years as chief, describing him as the “ultimate professional during his entire career.”

“It has been a pleasure working with Chief Deane these last eight months as we prepared for his retirement,” Kuster said in a release. 

Walker began his law enforcement career in 1990 in his hometown of Burkesville. He joined the Bowling Green Police Department in 1996, retiring after 16 years before joining WKU police. He will graduate from WKU this fall with a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies.

Kuster said WKU is “very fortunate to have someone with Mitch Walker’s experience who can step in and continue to move the WKU Police Department forward.”

“Capt. Walker understands the challenges ahead of him but is very willing to begin tackling them as we prepare for a new police chief. I believe he will have the support from the Police Department to make positive changes,” he said in the release.