ODU names police veteran Rudolph Burwell as police chief

By Jaedda Armstrong

NORFOLK

Rudolph Burwell, a longtime police official for Norfolk and Old Dominion University, has been named ODU’s chief of police and director of the Office of Public Safety.

Before his five-year tenure at ODU, where he served as assistant chief, Burwell spent 30 years with the Norfolk Police Department. He served in the first and second patrol divisions, the K-9 unit and the emergency response unit. He was also a detective for the training and inspections divisions.

Burwell will oversee a campus police force of 49 members and 70 security officers and numerous campus public safety programs.

Burwell was chosen after a nationwide search. He said in a phone interview that with the new football team coming on board, his event security experience will come in handy.

Although he’s had his new title for just a week, Burwell’s plans for the university police include training opportunities and eventually installing computers and cameras in patrol cars, he said.

He said he’s excited to be called chief.

“There’s a lot of competition out there,” Burwell said. “I’m glad that they appreciate what I’ve done in the last five years.”

“The university is very fortunate to have Rudy Burwell as our chief of police,” Robert L. Fenning, vice president for administration and finance, said in a university news release. Fenning said Burwell’s extensive knowledge and experience will enhance the university’s relationship with the city.

Jaedda Armstrong (757) 446-2246, jaedda.armstrong@pilotonline.com