University of Delaware
Office of Public Relations
UpDate - Vol. 16, No. 24, March 20

     
            Lawrence Thornton new director of Public Safety
     Lawrence Thornton, senior associate director of the
Department of Public Safety, has been named director,
effective April 1. Thornton succeeds Douglas Tuttle, who has
been named a policy analyst in the Institute of Public
Administration in the College of Urban Affairs and Public
Policy.
     "I am pleased to have the opportunity to lead the fine
men and women of the Department of Public Safety into an
exciting future," Thornton said. "As we approach the 21st
century, technology is ever changing. To better serve the
University community, we will be exploring innovative ways
of applying this technology to our public safety operation.
I look forward to expanding our community policing program
and enhancing the quality of life through service
excellence. Forging partnerships with our community to solve
problems affecting safety and security will be a priority."
     According to Maxine Colm, vice president for
administration, "Larry Thornton brings a wealth of
experience to his new position as director of the Department
of Public Safety. He has had a distinguished career as a
member of the city of Newark Police Department and, over the
last 10 years, has provided outstanding service to the
University.
     "This combination of experience," Colm said, "will
ensure a smooth transition of leadership. Larry understands
the unique requirements of managing a public safety
department that serves the University community. I am
confident that the needs of our students, faculty and staff
will be well served during his tenure as director."
     Thornton began his law enforcement career with the city
of Newark Police Department in 1966. During his tenure
there, he was involved in all facets of policing, including
patrol, traffic, criminal investigation, police supervision,
administration and management. He retired in 1987 at the
rank of captain and joined the UD Department of Public
Safety. In his current role, he is responsible for the
administration of all police functions and supervision of
the staff of certified police officers on three campuses.
     Thornton earned his B.S. degree in criminal justice
from Wilmington College and his Master of Arts in Liberal
Studies from UD. He is a member of the Phi Kappa Phi honor
society.
     A graduate of the FBI National Academy, Thornton is a
member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police,
the Delaware Police Chiefs' Council and the Association of
Campus Law Enforcement Administrations. He participates on a
number of UD committees, including the Student Judicial
Affairs Council.
                                               -Ed Okonowicz