Matt Mull Takes Helm of UTPB Police Department

Former Texas Department of Public Safety major Matt Mull assumed his new role as police chief in October 2026.

Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Law Enforcement

Modern limestone campus building under a bright blue West Texas sky. — Matt Mull assumed his role as police chief for the University of Texas Permian Basin in October 2026, following a 29-year career. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Matt Mull, a veteran with 29 years of experience at the Texas Department of Public Safety, began his tenure as the police chief for the University of Texas Permian Basin in October 2026. He transitions to this leadership role following a career that includes service at Texas Tech University and corporate security work.

Why it matters

Mull aims to engage directly with the campus community by implementing a mentorship program for student-athletes and launching a campus-oriented Crime Stoppers initiative. His approach focuses on guiding student career development while ensuring the university remains a secure environment.

The UTPB police department is budgeted for 19 commissioned officers and currently operates with ongoing vacancies for officers, dispatchers, and public safety staff. The department currently employs one investigator to manage active caseloads.

The players

Matt Mull

He is the newly appointed police chief for the University of Texas Permian Basin who previously served as a major with the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Odessa Police Department

This local municipal agency provides collaborative support to the university police department in managing safety operations.

Ector County Sheriff's Office

This regional law enforcement authority coordinates with the university police to ensure safety and security in the Odessa area.

The details

Mull holds an associate degree in applied science in law enforcement from Plains College and previously served as a major in the criminal investigations division of the Texas Department of Public Safety. He intends to coordinate closely with the Odessa Police Department and the Ector County Sheriff's Office to maintain safety across the university campus.

Mull began his career in law enforcement in 1992.
Mull officially started his position as the UTPB police chief in October 2026.

Legal Context

Mull's efforts to guide student-athlete career paths align with the broader emphasis on recruitment quality set by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement peace officer standards. By mentoring students to avoid disqualifying behaviors, he aims to strengthen the future pipeline of law enforcement.

The university's continued coordination with the Odessa Police Department and Ector County Sheriff's Office ensures consistent protection for both students and the surrounding community. Residents should expect no changes to current security protocols as the department maintains its existing call volume.

The takeaway

Chief Mull brings decades of state-level experience to the UTPB campus, emphasizing proactive mentorship to shape the next generation of officers. His strategy suggests that campus safety will increasingly rely on deep community engagement rather than just traditional patrols.