U. Police taps new director of Victim Support

Police lieutenant starts in May Maureen Rush, a Philadelphia Police lieutenant who specializes in domestic abuse and victim issues, has been named director of Victim Support and Special Services, University Police Commissioner John Kuprevich announced Friday. As director of Victim Support, Rush's responsibilities will include overseeing all day-to-day operations of the Victim Support department, providing support for victims of sexual violence and sexual assault and serving as a liaison to the Philadelphia Sex Crimes Unit. She will also be involved in developing policy in the areas of crime prevention, victim services and recruitment and training of all public safety personnel, Kuprevich said. "Maureen Rush brings extensive experience dealing with domestic abuse and victims' issues to this most critical position," Kuprevich said in a statement. "Her experience training officers to deal with these sensitive issues, as well as her sensitivity and commitment to women's issues and the needs of a diverse community, make her the ideal person for this job." While working with the Philadelphia Police department, Rush said she gained experience in training both officers and people. "I've done extensive training, both inside [Philadelphia Police] and also outside with various advocate groups across the city and state on issues of domestic violence and on issues of ethnic intimidation," she said last night. Rush, who will not assume her position until the beginning of May, said she plans no immediate changes in policy. "I'm going to go in and see what policies are in effect from the past director and see what things could use a little more fine tuning," she said last night. Although she is planning no immediate policy changes, Rush said she supports proactive police policy, or preventative police measures. "I truly believe in proactivity," she said. "By giving people information, it empowers them to avoid unpleasant situations." Rush's selection concludes a 16-month-long search, which was initially intended as a regional search, but was later extended to a national search. The position, which was vacated when Ruth Wells retired in November 1992 for health reasons, is currently filled on an interim basis by Barbara Cassel, who is also assistant vice provost for University Life. Cassel, who will stay on as interim director until Rush assumes the position, said she plans to work closely with Rush during the transition process. Kuprevich cited several reasons for the prolonged search, including the search committee itself, the time period during which the search was conducted and the process as a whole. Though the search was longer than anticipated, Kuprevich said he is extremely pleased with the selection. Kuprevich also said that between now and the time Rush assumes her position, Rush will be involved with the department in a transitional role. Rush said she is excited to start working for the University. "I think it's a wonderful opportunity," she said. "I think that Penn is definitely in the forefront compared to other Universities in the area of victim support."