Doreen Jokerst has been named the next chief of police for the University of Colorado Boulder Police Department after a national search, campus officials announced Friday. Jokerst, a commander with the Parker Police Department, has nearly 20 years of law enforcement experience.
In her time at Parker, Jokerst has held a supervisory position in all major components of the department including Patrol, Investigations, the Office of Professional Standards and Support Services. In her current position, she leads the Communications Division, Property and Evidence, Crime Scene Management, Reports and Records and the Community Services Section.
Jokerst has been offered a five-year contract, subject to CU Board of Regents approval next month. Her projected start date is Sept. 17.
“Commander Jokerst has a respected law enforcement background and was a consensus favorite of the campus partners who she met during the interview process,” said Louise Vale, associate vice chancellor of integrity, safety and compliance. “She brings a wide-range of experience and will build on the community policing model we have here at CU Boulder. I am excited she will be a part of our team.”
Jokerst holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Metro State University of Denver and a master’s degree in psychology from Regis University. She has also successfully completed the Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command, the Senior Management Institute for Police course, and the FBI National Academy. Jokerst is an adjunct instructor at Colorado Technical University teaching both undergraduate and graduate classes.
At CU Boulder, Jokerst will oversee a staff of more than 40 sworn personnel plus more than 60 civilians.
“As an adjunct instructor at a local university, I have a love of learning and research,” said Jokerst. “Stepping into the role of police chief for the state’s flagship university allows me to combine my two passions, policing and education.”
CUPD Commander Paula Balafas and CU Anschutz Medical Campus retired chief of police Doug Abraham served as interim police chief earlier this year.
“I would like to thank Paula and Doug for their work during this time of transition,” Vale said.