The OU Police Department officer of the year burst through the lobby door, crossing the area in two powerful steps. He gave a firm handshake and brief introduction before leading a tour before one could return any of his energy.

Because of this energy and attitude, OUPD awarded Detective Chris Patison the officer of the year award at its 15th annual awards banquet Jan. 19, according to a press release.

“It’s a very big challenge,” Patison said. “Every day is different, and you get to be out and about. My personality lends itself to be out in the public.”

While delivering a tour of police headquarters, Patison said though he was named officer of the year, each member was valuable to the department from fellow detective Ron Gibbons to OU’s newest bomb dogs, Caesar and Vinnie.

“One thing I’ve learned about the university here is that the [police department] is not only a big team, but it’s a family,” Patison said.

Patison joined the OU police team in April 1996 after spending four years in the U.S. Army, he said. Patison said he never saw himself pursuing law enforcement as a career until a high school friend’s father, a reserve officer in the Pottawatomie County Sheriff’s Office, recommended he look into it.

Patison joined the department as a patrol officer and served six years before leaving to patrol for the Norman Police Department, he said.

He came to OU in 2005, and was named a detective in December 2007, he said.

“I felt like Norman [police department] wasn’t conducive to my lifestyle,” he said. “When I got the opportunity to come back (to OU), I jumped at it.”

Throughout his years of service, Patison said he has seen the department transform into a facility the officers are proud of.

“Until 2007 we were working out of an old Navy barracks where raccoons were stealing food right out of the vending machine,” he said.

As a detective, Patison said he is responsible for assisting the agency with high-profile cases requiring more time and effort.

Patison said his job usually involves repeat offenders.

“Say, for instance, one or two people were coming to OU and stealing purses and laptops out of offices, and they were a repeat problem,” Patison said. “That’s really when detectives would be assigned to these cases.”

Working for a university police force is more unique than other police forces, and working for one as big as OU provides experiences beyond an average police job, he said.

Because of the constant human interaction and the nature of the job, people often recognize Patison, which serves as a reminder for him to constantly be professional, he said.

Even when not on duty, Patison said he has to be alert and in detective mode.

After surveilling the Oklahoma Memorial Union for several days hoping to catch a serial purse snatcher, Patison called the operation off after a no-show, he said. The next day, as he was driving down Main Street, Patison spotted the suspect walking down the road.

He reported the man to Norman Police Department, who confirmed his warrants and sent a patrol officer to apprehend him, Patison said. The suspect started running when he saw the patrol car, but Patison said he helped Norman Police Department run him down — all on his day off.

“Every department has an officer who is available to help, no matter the issue, no matter the hour, and detective Patison is recognized as our ‘go-to’ officer,” OU Police Department Chief Elizabeth Woollen said. “His investigations are always thorough, professional and proficient. He has endless energy and after 15 years of experience is still excited to come to work each and every day.”

Patison said several times during the course of the interview that at least five officers deserved the award just as much as he did.

“It is a big honor, and it reminds me to keep doing the best I can,” he said.