Chief John Thompson joined the Arizona State University Police Department in 2005, following a distinguished decade of service with the United States Marine Corps Reserve. Since then, he has played a pivotal role within the ASU Police Department, serving in key leadership positions including Assistant Chief, Support Services Commander, Patrol Commander, Criminal Investigations Bureau Sergeant, and now Chief of Police since September 19, 2024. Over his career, Chief Thompson served the department in various roles, including Patrol Sergeant, Detective, Asset Forfeiture Manager, Terrorism Liaison Officer, Honor Guard Member, Honor Guard Commander, and Field Training Officer.
A proud two-time ASU alumnus, Chief Thompson holds a master’s degree in Public Administration and a bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. He is a graduate of the 283rd Session of the FBI National Academy and shares his expertise as a Faculty Associate in ASU's School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, having also previously taught at the Arizona Law Enforcement Academy. Chief Thompson serves on the Board of Directors of Community Bridges Inc. and is a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators, the Arizona Association of Chiefs of Police, the FBI National Academy Associates, and a former member of the Arizona Terrorism Liaison Officer Association, Arizona Homicide Investigators Association, and the National Association of Field Training Officers. Fluent in Spanish, Chief Thompson brings additional strengths through certifications such as Six Sigma Green Belt, AZPOST Leadership Program, IACLEA Executive Development Institute, and LINAU Mastering Leadership at ASU.
Chief Thompson’s notable achievements include his work in founding the department's Special Victims Unit, establishing the Community Response Unit bike team, expanding police services at the Downtown Phoenix campus, and expanding outreach to those experiencing homelessness by creating the Community Outreach Officer program. Under his guidance and direction, the Real-Time Analysis Center (RTAC) was developed, leveraging advanced technology to deliver real-time intelligence to patrol and investigative units across the ASU Enterprise.
As Chief of Police, Thompson remains dedicated to applying his extensive knowledge and leadership to ensure a safe, supportive, and community-centered environment for ASU students, faculty, staff, and visitors.
Chief Thompson is a Sun Devil at heart and an avid supporter of the Sun Devil community.