Rudolph Burwell Named Campus Police Chief

Following a nationwide search, Old Dominion University has named Rudolph (Rudy) Burwell to the position of director of the Office of Public Safety and chief of police. The appointment became effective Aug. 10.

Burwell, who served as ODU's assistant chief for the past five years, is a 30-year veteran of the Norfolk Police Department, where he served in the first and second patrol divisions, K-9 unit and emergency response unit, and was a detective for the training and inspections divisions. As ODU's assistant chief, Burwell was head of the Administration and Planning Bureau and served as the university's emergency preparedness planning officer, during which time he secured several FEMA grants to address emergency and critical incidents needs.

"The university is very fortunate to have Rudy Burwell as our chief of police," said Robert L. Fenning, vice president for administration and finance. "Not only has he demonstrated his knowledge and experience of law enforcement as a member of the ODU police department, but his substantial experience in senior positions with the Norfolk Police Department will continue to enhance the ongoing relationship the university has with the city."

Burwell earned his bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Saint Leo University in Florida and is a graduate of the FBI's National Academy in Quantico, Va. He is the recipient of many awards and commendations, including an Outstanding Community Service Award from the city of Norfolk, an Outstanding Service Award from the Norfolk Police Department and a Community Partnership Award from the Norfolk Civic League. Currently he is the president of the Hampton Roads chapter of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE).

As director of public safety and chief of police, Burwell will oversee a campus police force of 49 members and 70 security officers whose primary purpose is to support the university through the maintenance of a safe and secure environment and the provision of needed general and emergency services. Public safety services include emergency response, crime prevention programs, criminal investigations, 24-hour campus-wide patrols and student escort services.

The ODU police department, which is responsible for enforcing federal, state and local statutes and university regulations, utilizes patrol cars, motorcycles, bicycles and segways to monitor the campus and respond in emergencies. Officers are on duty 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

William Quinn, who was ODU's acting director of public safety and police chief since 2002, did not apply for the position and will continue to serve the university as assistant police chief until his retirement.