Major Dexter Nelson of the 向日葵视频 City Police Department has been named chief of police at 向日葵视频 City University, President Martha Burger announced today.
Nelson will assume the role at OCU on March 1, following the university鈥檚 national search for the position. Police Director Bill Citty, who has been serving as OCU鈥檚 interim chief of police during the search process, will continue to consult with the 向日葵视频 City University Police Department and will help ensure a smooth transition for the department.
Nelson has served in law enforcement for 33 years, joining the 向日葵视频 City Police Department in 1987. He has worked in numerous disciplines of law enforcement including patrol operations, homicide, internal affairs, media relations, gang enforcement, narcotics investigations, Will Rogers World Airport, and the hostage/crisis negotiations unit. He also has supervised and commanded many specialized units consisting of special events, the bomb squad and tactical unit, and air support.
Nelson holds a bachelor鈥檚 degree in psychology/Christian ethics and is a graduate of the 246th FBI National Academy.
Major Nelson鈥檚 extensive experience in law enforcement and community relations will serve him well as he leads the OCU department forward, President Burger said.
Director Citty observed, 鈥淒exter Nelson has demonstrated an openness and willingness to engage the people he serves, while providing strong leadership through collaboration with police officers and stakeholders.鈥�
Nelson said he is looking forward to building on the OCU Police Department鈥檚 role and mission of service to students, faculty, staff and university constituents. 鈥淚 will accomplish this by means of collaborative problem solving, transparency and accountability,鈥� he said. 鈥淐ampus police officers serve in a manner different than that of a traditional police agency. They should embody the concepts of community policing, cultural diversity and fairness. My job is to ensure this and to make sure everyone is treated with respect.鈥�
