Carl Metzger is the Associate Vice President for Public Safety and Chief of Police at the University of Central Florida Police Department.  He received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Finance from the University of Florida and his Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Central Florida.

Chief Metzger began his career at the Orlando Police Department in 1989 and worked numerous assignments during his 26-year tenure, ultimately retiring with the rank of Deputy Chief.  Chief Metzger’s final assignment with the Orlando Police Department was Patrol Services Bureau Commander, where he was responsible for 400 sworn police officers and employees, five police substations, Fleet Services and a service area of approximately 110 square miles.

Upon his retirement from the Orlando Police Department, Chief Metzger was hired by the University of Central Florida Police Department as a Deputy Chief.  After spending 4-years as the Operations Commander, Metzger was appointed Chief of Police in June of 2018.  Metzger leads all public safety efforts at UCF, one of the largest universities in the United States with 68,000 students and 12,000 faculty and staff.  The UCF Police Department, Emergency Management, Security Management and Victim Services are all included under the Public Safety umbrella.

Chief Metzger currently serves on the Florida Chamber of Commerce Leadership Cabinet, the Orange County Crisis Intervention Team Advisory Council, Orange County Drug and Alcohol Higher Education Working Group, the United Safety Council, and the UCF Criminal Justice Advisory Council.  Metzger is passionate about mental health, and he served four years on the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Greater Orlando (NAMIGO) Board before terming off.  He is the current president of the Orange/Osceola County Police Chiefs Association, and he is a member of the following professional organizations:  the Central Florida Criminal Justice Association, the Florida Police Chief’s Association (FPCA), the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators (IACLEA) and the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP).

Chief Metzger has been recognized with numerous awards and accolades during his career, including the OPD Lifesaving Award, numerous Awards of Commendation, Awards of Administrative Excellence, Community Service Awards, and Unit Citations.  He was recognized as the OPD FOP Police Officer of the Month twice and was named the 2022 UCF Criminal Justice Distinguished Alumnus of the Year.

An avid runner and biker, Chief Metzger has completed 20 full marathons, including the Boston Marathon, Marine Corps Marathon, and Disney’s Goofy Challenge, and over 200 half-marathons.  He has also completed numerous bicycle century (100-mile) rides, including the 250-mile Police Unity Tour.