Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Police Chief Gina Hays, the first woman to hold that position, will step down as soon as a replacement is identified.

An internal memo distributed on June 5 by Vice Chancellor for Administration Kenn Neher said Hays will assist the university with “a number of safety and security compliance issues, including the Clery Act, from the time her successor is hired until her retirement.”

Photo by Roger Starkey

The Clery Act requires colleges and universities across the United States to disclose information about crime on and around their campuses. The federal law has been in place since 1991. The increased focus on Clery Act compliance is new for SIUE.

Hays declined to be interviewed for this story, saying she would like the focus to remain on the search for her successor. Neher was not available for comment, but responded to questions via email through the university’s Director of Marketing and External Affairs, Doug McIlhagga.

The email indicated that Hays has chosen to retire to spend more time with her recently retired husband. Hays has served in law enforcement for 26 years. She was named SIUE Police Chief in 2004.

Neher indicated that the search for Hays replacement is progressing and he hopes to bring finalists to campus for interviews in September, with a new chief in place early in the fall semester.

Hays, who has been an instructor in the Criminal Justice Department at SIUE, will “continue to teach classes as appropriate,” Neher indicated. According to university records, Hays will teach one course this fall.

Her position as an instructor and her work for Neher will allow her to retain her full salary and retire with full benefits in approximately a year and a half. Hays made $105,204.96 in fiscal year 2012.