Derrick E. Wood

Chief of Police

Derrick E. Wood serves as the Chief of Police for the University of Pennsylvania Police Department. Derrick is dedicated to ensuring that the University of Pennsylvania Police Department provides excellent service to our community stakeholders.

Derrick has served as a police officer with distinction for over 27 years. Derrick has most recently served in the role of Interim Chief of Police for the UPPD, having joined the Division in 2023 as Deputy Chief of Police Operations. Prior to coming to Penn, Derrick served as the Chief of the Norristown Police Department, after 24 years with the City of Philadelphia Police Department (PPD).

During his tenure with the Philadelphia Police Department, Derrick held the position of Police Inspector overseeing Recruitment and Background Investigations, where he worked to revamp the recruitment strategy for the Department. In his previous role as Police Inspector of Southwest Division, Derrick managed the largest patrol division in Philadelphia, with a team of over 800 personnel dedicated to a 22 square mile region of the city. His focus on community policing and relationship building with the people of West Philadelphia were hallmarks of his time in this role.

Derrick holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Master’s in Business Administration from Holy Family University. He has attended and graduated from several esteemed leadership programs: FBI’s National Academy, the Police Executive Research Forum’s Senior Management Institute for Police, Northwestern University School of Police Staff & Command, and Leadership Philadelphia.

When not working, Derrick enjoys spending time with his son, fishing, and rooting for Philadelphia sports teams.

About Penn Police Department