Published: August 11, 2009 12:45 pm      

LMPD acting major joins IU Southeast as chief of university police

NEW ALBANY — Indiana University Southeast has chosen its new police chief.

Charles Edelen will begin at the New Albany campus Sept. 1, after most recently serving as the acting major for the administrative division of the Louisville Metropolitan Police Department, a news release from IU Southeast says.

He has been with LMPD for 21 years, rising in the ranks from officer to lieutenant and including stints as the commander of the bomb squad from 2003-2007 and a team leader with the hostage negotiating team. He also spent eight years as a firefighter.

Edelen graduated from the FBI National Academy and received instructor certification from the Kentucky Law Enforcement Council. He has completed specialized training in a variety of safety, security, and emergency response programs, including fire prevention and control, the news release says. He also has experience with community-oriented policing.

Edelen, of Fisherville, Ky., received a bachelor’s degree in justice administration from the University of Louisville.

“Charles Edelen is a fine example of all the qualities we were searching for in a police chief. His decades of experience and knowledge of law enforcement practices will undoubtedly serve our students, faculty, staff, and visitors well,” said Chancellor Sandra R. Patterson-Randles said in the release.

As the chief of police Edelen will be responsible for managing about 10 officers as well as some administrative staff. Other duties include investigating major campus incidents, scheduling fire and safety inspections, and developing disaster reaction plans.

Read the full story in Wednesday's editions.