For the City Times

STEVENS POINT — The new chief of police at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point is no stranger to the community. Tony Babl, detective sergeant for the Stevens Point Police Department, will become chief of University Police and Security Services, effective April 2.

Babl succeeds Brian Bridges, who served as interim chief since last summer.

“Tony stood out during the selection process because of his deep knowledge of the Stevens Point community and the UW-Stevens Point campus. His commitment to collaborating within the university and externally with our city and county partners will serve us well,” said Kristen Hendrickson, vice chancellor for business affairs at UW-Stevens Point.

“I am excited for the opportunity to use my training and experience in law enforcement for nearly 25 years to help make UW-Stevens Point a safe and enjoyable place to learn, work and visit,” Babl said. In addition to ensuring safety and security on campus, he will continue training, equipment and retention efforts in University Police, working with other local law enforcement agencies.

“Police-community relations is another important area, and I plan on making University Police more visible, accessible and approachable,” Babl said.

Babl has had progressively more responsible positions since joining the Stevens Point Police Department in June 1993 as a patrol officer. He was promoted to sergeant in 2001 and named assistant chief in April 2015. He has supervised the Stevens Point Police Records Department, Investigation Bureau, SWAT team, community resources and parking enforcement. Originally from Schofield, Babl received his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from UW-Platteville.