Governor Lincoln D. Chafee today announced U.S. Marshal Steven G. O’Donnell as his choice for Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police and Commissioner of the Department of Public Safety.
O’Donnell will be the twelfth Superintendent in State Police history, and his tenure will begin on approximately June 1.
O’Donnell has over 25 years of law enforcement experience and most recently had served as U.S. Marshal for the District of Rhode Island since 2009. Prior to his appointment, O’Donnell served as Lieutenant Colonel and Deputy Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police.
“Steve O’Donnell’s extensive, accomplished, and diverse career in Rhode Island law enforcement make him the perfect choice to lead the State Police,” Governor Chafee said. “Steve rose through the ranks of the State Police and held significant leadership positions within the organization, and has the added experience of having served in the prestigious role of U.S. Marshal. 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 joined the Rhode Island State Police in 1986 and over his 22-year career served as Lieutenant Colonel, Deputy Superintendent and Chief of Field Operations, Field Operations Officer, and Detective Commander. Prior to joining the State Police, O’Donnell served as a patrolman with the North Kingstown Police Department and was a Correctional Officer with the Rhode Island Department of Corrections.
O’Donnell received his BS from the University of New Haven and his MS from Salve Regina University, and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy. He has also taught courses on organized crime, criminal justice, and undercover operations at Roger Williams University and Salve Regina University.
*Presidentially appointed, U.S. Marshals are responsible for apprehending federal fugitives, protecting the federal judiciary, operating the Witness Security Program, transporting federal prisoners, and seizing property acquired by criminals through illegal activities, among other duties.