Michael Thompson

Chief of Police

Arizona State University

Michael Thompson joined the Arizona State University Police Department in May 2008 after spending 20+ years with the City of Mesa Police Department, AZ. in a variety of assignments, including Sergeant, (patrol, jail, bike unit, community action, advanced training, School Resource Officer supervisor, Criminal Law lead instructor) Detective, Honor Guard and Forensic/ Composite Artist.

Michael has served as Commander at the West campus, as Commander of the Support Services Division at the Tempe campus and as Assistant Chief of Support Services of the department.  Michael is currently the Chief of Police since 2014. 

He is a graduate of the PERF SMIP (Senior Management Institute for Police) Program, AZPOST Leadership in Police Organizations and has completed numerous law enforcement related training courses. He is also currently the president of the Board of Directors for Community Bridges Inc. (CBI) and Chair of the East Valley Chiefs of Police Association.

During his time as Chief ASU Police, the R.A.D. course was revived and expanded. Now, R.A.D. is offered to men and women. As well as an Advanced R.A.D. course for women who have completed R.A.D. Basic.

In August of 2015, ASUPD and police Chief Michael Thompson launched a Special Victims Unit. ASU is one of four universities in the nation with an SVU devoted to addressing sexual assault on campus.  Detectives assigned to the Special Victims Unit will investigate cases involving physical and sexual abuse, domestic violence and crimes against children.

Chief Thompson received a Master of Administration/Leadership degree from Northern Arizona University, a Master of Education from Northern Arizona University and is currently a doctoral candidate in the Mary Lou Fulton College of Education at Arizona State University.