Angela Coonce
Chief of Police
About Me
I started at WUPD in August of 2022 and I am very excited to be part of the WashU family! I spent 24 years with the St. Louis City Police Department prior to coming to WUPD. I received my Bachelor of Science in Urban Studies from Harris-Stowe State University where I played college basketball. I have a Master of Arts in Management and Leadership from Webster University and a Master of Arts in Security Studies from the Naval Postgraduate School – Center for Homeland Defense and Security. I am a graduate of the FBI – National Academy and the Police Executive Research Forum’s (PERF) Senior Management Institute for Police. I was recently part of the inaugural cohort of the University of Missouri–St. Louis’ Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Workplace certificate program. I am a proud resident of the City of St. Louis. I can often be found dining out at restaurants in the historic Hill neighborhood. I love sports and am a lifelong fan of the St. Louis Cardinals!
How did you decide on your career?
After college I was working in the marketing department of a large company in St. Louis and I didn’t feel like I was making a difference in our community. I felt a calling to join the police department in order to engage more with the community. In 1998, I decided to change careers and I have never regretted that decision!
What was your favorite subject in school?
English was my favorite subject in high school, especially creative writing. In college I loved my management and leadership courses.
What is your favorite thing about WashU?
There is an energy and excitement you can feel being on campus at WashU. I believe the diversity of the students, faculty and staff creates this positive experience.
What police service would you want everyone to know about?
Our community engagement team! WUPD wants to be a partner when you’re planning events so please reach out to us.
What are you looking forward to the most for the 2023-2024 school year?
This will be my second school year with the University! I feel like we made a lot of improvements in WUPD’s service last year, but we’re going to continue to look for ways to ensure we are providing excellent service to our campus community. Our focus is on building stronger relationships with the students, faculty and staff in 2023-2024. We will be increasing WUPD’s community engagement efforts even more this year and plan to sponsor community events to help build trust and strengthen relationships between WUPD and the community we serve. WUPD will strive for nothing less than “Excellence Without Exception!”