ODU President Details Steps To Bolster Student Safety

Responding to a series of high-profile crimes near the campus, Old Dominion University President John Broderick said Tuesday the university has taken several steps to enhance student safety.

Prominent among them is the creation of a new executive position, chief operating officer, with direct responsibility for public safety.

Campus crime statistics at ODU are on a par with other Virginia universities, Broderick said in his annual State of the University address. Nevertheless, he said, the fatal shooting of an ODU student in June and a string of robberies in neighborhoods around the campus are "unacceptable."

"Our priority continues to be making ODU a safe and supporting community for everyone," he said.