Kevin Lanni Joins Brown University Public Safety
The former Providence police official will serve in the number two position at the university's public safety department.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in People
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Kevin Lanni is transitioning from his role as the Court Administrator of the Rhode Island Traffic Tribunal to join the public safety department at Brown University. He will step into the second-in-command position within the office.
Why it matters
This appointment follows a tragic December 2025 mass shooting at Brown University that resulted in the deaths of two students and injuries to nine others. The university is moving to bolster its safety leadership in the wake of that security crisis.
Lanni brings nearly 30 years of experience with the Providence Police Department, including a term as Deputy Chief beginning in 2023. His previous service contrasts with his most recent role as Court Administrator, a position he has held since January 2024.
The players
Kevin Lanni
He is a long-time law enforcement official who previously served as Deputy Chief of the Providence Police Department.
Hugh Clements
He is currently serving as the interim Vice President for public safety at Brown University.
The details
Lanni is a graduate of both the FBI Academy and the Harvard Kennedy School. He will report to Hugh Clements, who currently serves as the interim Vice President for public safety at the university.
Timeline
Lanni was named Deputy Chief of the Providence Police in 2023.
Lanni began serving as Court Administrator in January 2024.
A mass shooting occurred at Brown University in December 2025.
A formal announcement of the hiring is expected within two weeks.
Market Landscape
This leadership transition directly follows the December 2025 mass shooting at Brown University. The move marks a strategic effort by the university to restructure its security hierarchy following that event.
The appointment of a veteran police official to a key university safety role signals a shift in campus security management. Students and staff can expect a focus on institutional safety protocols as the university manages its post-shooting security overhaul.
The takeaway
Lanni brings three decades of local police experience to his new role in campus security leadership. This transition underscores the university's priority to address student safety concerns following recent campus violence.
What happens next
A formal announcement detailing Lanni's specific start date and duties is anticipated within the next two weeks.
Further reading
For more on local leadership changes, visit People.
Source note: This article includes information reported by GoLocalProv.
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