Former NK Patrolman To Be RI's Top Cop

Gov. Lincoln Chafee has appointed former North Kingstown Patrolman Steven O'Donnell as the new superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police, the governor's office announced today. O'Donnell will replace Col. Brendan Doherty, who retired from the post last week.

“Steve O’Donnell’s extensive, accomplished, and diverse career in Rhode Island law enforcement make him the perfect choice to lead the State Police,” Chafee said in a release. “Steve rose through the ranks of the State Police and held significant leadership positions within the organization. I am completely confident that he is the right person for this job. He has the respect of law enforcement officials across the state and the country, and I know that he will work tirelessly to ensure that Rhode Island is a safe and secure place.”

O'Donnell, who will also serve as commissioner of the Department of Public Safety, began his career as a a corrections officer, then as a patrolman in North Kingstown, before joining the State Police in 1986. He quickly rose through the ranks, serving as lieutenant colonel, deputy superintendent and chief of field operations, field operations officer and detective commander. Most recently, he has served as U.S. Marshal for the District of Rhode Island, having been appointed by President Barack Obama in 2009.

O'Donnell said his diverse career has prepared him for the top law enforcement job in Rhode Island. His experience runs the gamut from entry-level patrolman to undercover detective work battling organized crime — which he described as his greatest learning experience — to the top levels of police management. Before becoming U.S. Marshal, O'Donnell was was second in command of the State Police and served as acting superintendent before Doherty's appointment.

"I've had a good balance," O'Donnell said of his career. "I understand what it takes in corrections, to local and state police to federal law enforcement."

O'Donnell lists drunk driving and general highway safety among his top priorities. "It must be on the front burner," he said. "I believe driving is not civil. It has gone to a fever pitch. We need to enforce the laws so accidents and deaths can be prevented."

O’Donnell, who grew up in Providence and now resides in Smithfield, received his bachelor's degree from the University of New Haven and his master's degree from Salve Regina University, and he is a graduate of the FBI National Academy. He has taught courses on organized crime, criminal justice and undercover operations at Roger Williams University and Salve Regina.

No start date has yet been set for O'Donnell's tenure at the helm, but he anticipates starting his new job sometime in April or May, after finishing up some work in the U.S. Marshall's Office. O'Donnell said he is looking forward to taking on the "revered position." He said he doesn't anticipate any major changes in the organization's operations once he takes the reins.

"I'm a huge people person," he said. "I believe in the mission of the State Police and I believe in the people we have here."