Meet Chief of Police Timothy Jantz, a dedicated VA police supervisor and proud Marine Corps Veteran serving VA medical facilities in Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin. Officer Jantz has served within the VA Police Services for more than 20 years, in addition to his work as a civilian police officer and his service as a military police officer in the Marine Corps.
Every day, Chief Jantz and the VA police officers throughout the nation help keep Veterans, their family members and staff at VA facilities safe. As dedicated members of the VA police force, VA police officers play a critical role in maintaining a secure and welcoming environment for all who enter the facility.
VA police not only deter and respond to criminal activity, but also provide essential support during emergencies, assist individuals in crisis and serve as a visible reminder of VA’s commitment to safety. Through their vigilance, professionalism and compassion, Chief Jantz and his fellow officers foster trust and support the wellbeing of the Veteran community they serve.
Coming from a family with a long tradition of military service, Chief Jantz appreciates that the VA Police Service offers flexibility to balance work and family, and the opportunity to serve and assist Veterans.
“I am especially proud when we are able to effectively assist Veterans in need,” he said. “Having the opportunity to dedicate time to understand the situation, identify appropriate actions and follow through makes a meaningful difference.”
National Police Week
Chief Jantz is one of over 4,000 VA police officers at 141 facilities across the country, and one of the 84 percent of VA police officers who are Veterans. In May, during National Police Week, VA acknowledged their service and commitment to the safety and protection of others with events at facilities across the country.
Established by a joint resolution of Congress in 1962, National Police Week pays special recognition to those law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others. To date, 10 VA police officers have made that sacrifice in the line of duty.
VA Police is always looking for qualified applicants to join its team. Desirable candidates must have either criminal justice education, experience as a police officer, experience as a military police officer or a combination of education and experience.
Visit USAJOBS to view current VA Police job announcements. Transitioning service members may be eligible for employment training, internship and apprenticeship opportunities through the DoD SkillBridge program.
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I too served with VA Police. Starting in Des Moines Iowa in 1981 then transferring to VA Phoenix in 1985, finally retiring in 2008. I retired as a Captain – assistant Chief of Police rising through the ranks from part time to full time plainclothes supervisor. I enjoyed the duty tremendously and was one of the few Officers involved in the startup when the VA Police became an armed force, attending firearm armorer training on the Beretta – the chosen weapon at the time. I also spent 4 years in the United States Marines 1970-1974 – a Vietnam Veteran – attended college and got my degree in Criminal Justice and started as a street Officer in central Nebraska before joining the VA. VA has come a long way since those early days but I couldn’t understand the reasoning for the change in the shield from when I served in the early 2000’s to the one currently worn today – the others were better looking and I still have mine when it was presented to me with the wording Retired where my badge number used to be. Great times.
I was a V.A. police officer for a number of years after retirement from a city police department. I was also in the Marines with the State Dept. as an Embassy Guard.
The years with the V.A. we’re something. Being a Vietnam Veteran,
I was able to talk to veterans who came in with mental health problems and ease the situation before it got out of hand. Telling them I totally understand where they were coming from and showing them my service ID and what I had encountered, most of the time, calmed the situation.
The officers I worked with would say I was the Verbal Judo guy.