Currently the deputy commissioner in the Philadelphia Police Department’s Office of Professional Responsibility, Dales will join the Temple community on Dec. 7.

Following a comprehensive national search, Joel Dales, a 36-year veteran with the Philadelphia Police Department (PPD), has been named Temple University’s next vice president for public safety the university announced on Friday, Nov. 6. Currently the deputy commissioner in PPD’s Office of Professional Responsibility, Joel brings extensive urban policing expertise to the role. He will join the Temple community on Dec. 7.

“Joel is an accomplished public safety leader, who has served the City of Philadelphia for more than three decades and has significant experience leading complex organizations and developing people,” Temple President John Fry said. “Throughout this competitive search process, it became clear that Joel was the ideal individual to lead the Department of Public Safety here at Temple, as he understands the opportunities and challenges faced by urban law enforcement agencies. Importantly, he also recognizes that trust is critical in this role and is eager to build upon the strong relationships that the department holds with students, faculty, staff, parents and neighbors."

Denise Wilhelm has been serving as interim vice president for public safety since July and will continue to serve the department as executive deputy director moving forward.

“Denise has done a tremendous job leading the division over the last several months, and we are incredibly grateful to her for her service. She will continue to serve as a trusted member in the department, and both our Department of Public Safety and our institution are stronger because of that,” Fry added. “I also want to thank the search advisory committee and its chair, Cameron Etezady, vice president and university counsel, for their efforts in helping bring this important appointment to fruition.”

In his current role as the deputy commissioner in PPD’s Office of Professional Responsibility, Dales is responsible for the day-to-day operations of Internal Affairs, the Internal Criminal Investigation Division, and the Office of Professional Standards, which include the Overtime Management Unit, Court Liaison Unit, Quality Assurance Unit, Audits and Inspections Unit and the Standards and Accountability Unit.

Dales has served as a deputy commissioner in two different capacities prior to his present position, holding the title of deputy commissioner for patrol operations from July 2020 to Jan. 2023 and then deputy commissioner for special operations from Jan. 2023 to Feb. 2024. In all these roles, Dales reported directly to PPD’s Police Commissioner, providing strategic direction to help guide the department’s operations.

“My years with the Philadelphia Police Department have reinforced my belief that effective public safety leadership is built on collaboration, strong relationships, accountability, and the trust of those we serve,” Dales said. “I am honored to bring that experience to Temple University and look forward to leading a dedicated public safety team, strengthening partnerships with students, faculty, staff, and the surrounding community, while advancing a comprehensive approach to safety that supports the University’s mission.”

“Temple University is gaining a leader who understands the complexities of policing, the importance of building relationships, and the responsibility that comes with protecting a diverse and vibrant community,” said Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin J. Bethel. "Deputy Commissioner Dales' experience and commitment to public safety will help foster a safer campus environment where students can focus on their education, while strengthening the partnership between Temple University, the Philadelphia Police Department, our city, and the communities we serve."

Dales joins Temple’s Department of Public Safety at a time when the department has implemented dozens of operational and technological enhancements in recent years after an audit was conducted by former Philadelphia Police Department Commissioner Charles Ramsey and his firm, 21CP Solutions. The audit, which was completed in April 2023, provided an in-depth assessment of the university’s policies, technologies and training procedures on campus and in the surrounding neighborhood, and all its key recommendations have been implemented.

Commissioner Ramsey also served as an advisor to the search advisory committee that ultimately selected Dales for this position.

Since joining PPD as a patrol officer in 1990, Dales has risen through the ranks, holding various sergeant, lieutenant, captain, staff inspector and chief inspector roles before first being named a deputy commissioner in 2020.

Dales earned a bachelor of arts in organizational management from Eastern University and a master of science in public safety management from St. Joseph’s University. He has also completed executive leadership programs through the FBI National Academy, the Police Executive Research Forum's Senior Management Institute for Police, Northwestern University's School of Police Staff and Command, the FBI National Executive Institute, the Police Executive Leadership Institute, Leadership Philadelphia, and Penn State University's Police Executive Development Institute.

“Joel is a seasoned law enforcement leader, who has dedicated the entirety of his career to serving and protecting this city,” Temple’s Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Richard Sobieray said. “We know that he will bring that same level of commitment here to Temple, and we are excited to see the department continue to thrive under his leadership.”