Cassel to fill interim police post

Assistant Vice Provost for University Life Barbara Cassel will assume the interim director position at Victim Support and Special Services, replacing Assistant Director of Victim Support Rose Hooks, who is currently the interim director. University Police Commissioner John Kuprevich said the appointment will take effect today, adding that University Police Lieutenant Susan Holmes will join Cassel at Victim Support. Hooks was filling the void left when director Ruth Wells retired in November due to health reasons. Kuprevich said Hooks -- who was filling two positions in the department -- was trying to do too much. "We basically did it because in light of all [Hooks's] responsibilities, we felt she was trying to split herself too thin in trying to handle all the issues," he said. Cassel, who once was interim director of Victim Support's equivalent, said her current job responsibilities at the Vice Provost's office overlap with those of the director of Victim Support. "In a way, it sort of formalizes some of the work I already do for being the liaison with the campus police," Cassel said last week. "We already have a close relationship with the University Police department, particularly with Victim Support." Hooks said she "admires" Cassel and is looking forward to working with her and Holmes. "I have always respected Barbara Cassel as a University administrator and as a friend. I think she's excellent," Hooks said. "Lieutenant Holmes is a very caring person . . . so I think the three of us will make a terrific trio." Cassel said she was asked to assume the role until a permanent director is found. Kuprevich announced last month that a regional search was beginning for a permanent replacement for Wells. Adelaide Delluva, chairperson of the University Council Safety and Security Committee and chairperson of the Victim Support search committee, praised Cassel and agreed that the move is a good one. "If Barbara will do it, that is absolutely tremendous," Delluva said last week. "She is a fantastic woman and she was a detective with the University Police. I have faith in her." Delluva said last week that Kuprevich has yet to name the rest of the committee members but said she and her committee will be working quickly to find a director. "It is one of the most important jobs on campus," she said. "The sooner we get someone the better it is for us." Vice Provost for University Life Kim Morrisson said she does not think assuming the extra role will be difficult for Cassel. Kuprevich said the Victim Support office -- which is currently located in the annex behind the police station -- will soon be moved to the mini-station at 40th and Walnut streets which is larger than the current location. Hooks said these changes will be good for students who use the Victim Support office. "I think the mini-station will be a positive move for victims," Hooks said. "They won't have to come into a large police area and it will be less intimidating." Other physical changes will also be made in the layout of the police station to make it more "customer-oriented," Kuprevich said. Hooks said Victim Support's move to the mini-station will take place as soon as the phone lines are installed.