Temple University’s Department of Public Safety welcomes four new police officers this spring.

Just some of the four newest members to join Temple University’s Department of Public Safety (TUDPS) include a former Philadelphia Phillies ballgirl, a recent Temple Honors grad and a retired United States Army National Guard military police officer.  
 
“Our newest officers bring a strong sense of commitment and professionalism that will benefit both the Temple community and our neighbors in North Philadelphia,” said Jennifer Griffin, chief of police and vice president for public safety. “They are joining a dedicated team that takes great pride in serving others, and their work will help continue the high standard of service our department strives to provide every day.”  
 
Three of TUDPS’ newest police officers are joining after they graduated from the Temple University Police Academy on Friday, March 27.  
 
A fourth police officer joined TUDPS after serving as a Philadelphia Phillies ballgirl during the last two seasons.  

Director of Tactical and Professional Development Chris Willard said that being a Temple police officer is both meaningful and deeply rewarding.  

“There is no doubt about it: Temple Public Safety has become a force for positive change in North Philadelphia. Our new police officers will continue our mission of making our communities safer and stronger,” Willard said.
 

Meet the graduating police officers 

Lucas Dekaney, 23, originally from Syracuse, New York, recently finished his collegiate career last May at La Salle University, where he studied political science with a minor in leadership and global understanding. Dekaney said a former professor who had worked in law enforcement encouraged him to explore policing as a career path. He began researching departments and said one stood out.

“I came into the process not knowing anyone, but Temple University’s Department of Public Safety was the most attractive to me because of its commitment to community engagement,” he said. “Community engagement is paramount in policing. You have to know the people you serve, and it’s clear that Temple is supporting both its campus community and North Philadelphia neighbors. I’m excited to become a part of that.” 

Dekaney is a former Division I student-athlete and competed as a diver while balancing the demands of academics and athletics. 
 
“Being a student-athlete meant having a full plate,” he said. “We were practicing about 20 hours a week while keeping up with schoolwork, so it really taught me time management and discipline.” 
 
Even after graduation, Dekaney has remained connected to athletics and currently serves as an assistant diving coach at La Salle. 

“Being a student-athlete gives you an advantage in this job because you’re used to being active, communicating with people and working as part of a team,” he said. “Whether it’s a traffic stop or engaging with students, we want to bring our best every day and be someone the community can turn to.” 

Connor Fennell, 25, of Northeast Philadelphia, most recently worked as a probation officer in Montgomery County. Before that, he graduated from Penn State Abington in 2022 with a degree in criminal justice. 

Additionally, Fennell has served as a military police soldier in the United States Army National Guard for six years, including a yearlong deployment to Cuba. The experience, he said, shaped his values. 

“It taught me about respect, integrity and loyalty, and what it really means to be part of a team,” Fennell said. 

After graduating from college, Fennell said he knew he wanted a career centered on service. 

“I knew I wanted to help people,” he said. “Temple Police felt synonymous with the city. I love the sports, the culture and the energy of the campus environment.” 

Fennell also plans to take advantage of Temple’s tuition remission program to pursue a master’s degree. 

“Being in the police academy has been a great journey,” he said. “I’m excited to get into this career field, however, the learning experience is just beginning.” 

Ian Proctor, 23, of Southampton in Bucks County, graduated in May 2025 from Temple University with a degree in criminal justice. 

During his time as a student, Proctor was involved in Temple’s Law Enforcement and Government Services Club and initially considered a career in federal law enforcement. However, a ride-along with a Temple police officer helped solidify his path. 

“I did a ride-along with Temple Police Officer Marquice Williams, and it gave me an up-close look at the safety side of the university and North Philadelphia,” Proctor said. “Being able to come back after graduating and serve a community I spent years in really feels like a homecoming.” 

Proctor said service has always been part of his family’s tradition. 

“I always wanted to be involved in a career that helps others,” he said. “My dad’s side of the family served in the Navy and my mom’s side in the Army. That mindset of service has always been around me.” 

He said he is eager to begin working on Temple’s Main Campus and continue learning alongside experienced officers. 

“I’m looking forward to working with my field training officer and interacting with the community,” he said. “Being back on campus and supporting the Temple and North Philadelphia communities will be incredibly rewarding.” 

Dolores Bowers, 27, of Bucks County, made a career change to become a police officer to follow a lifelong dream after serving the country for eight years in the U.S. Marine Corps and two years as a Philadelphia Phillies ballgirl.  

“Serving our country was one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life,” Bowers said. “During my time in the Marine Corps, I was stationed in Hawaii, in Japan and in several other locations. I worked as an inventory management specialist, helping ensure bases across the United States received the supplies they needed. It was incredibly meaningful,” she said. 

Bowers also held another role she was passionate about. 

“For the past two years, I worked as a ballgirl for the Philadelphia Phillies. One of the best parts was interacting with the fans. Many of them traveled from across the country and even around the world to experience Citizens Bank Park,” she said. “It was also thrilling to be up close to the players. Whenever there was a foul ball, we had to sprint to grab it and quickly get it off the field. 

“I joined Temple Public Safety because here, we’re more than law enforcers,” she said. “We’re community builders.” 

For current police officers who want to join TUDPS, the department is hiring lateral police officers.  
 
For those wanting to become new police officers, the department will pay for their training in the Police Academy. After graduation, each new officer will be assigned a field training officer and will receive hands-on experience before moving on to patrol. Following the completion of both training and probation, the starting salary for Temple police officers is $74,193. Police officers also receive $2,500 sign-on bonuses.