PHILADELPHIA, PA. -- Patricia Brennan, who has served as acting Director of Special Services for the University of Pennsylvania Police Department since July 1999, has been named the new Director of Special Services, according to an announcement by Vice President for Public Safety Thomas M. Seamon. Her appointment will become effective August 15, 2000.

As Director of Special Services, Brennan will be responsible for all support services for victims of crime, and will oversee the day-to-day operations of the special services team.

Her duties will also include developing programs in crime prevention, safety education, community outreach and victim services; handling and directing responses to emergency situations; representing victims of crime and serving as a liaison to the Philadelphia District Attorney's office and other entities.

"Pat Brennan brings extensive experience dealing with sensitive crimes and victims issues to this most critical position," Seamon said. "Her experience in investigations, crisis intervention and victim support, along with her sensitivity and commitment to women's issues and the needs of a diverse community, make her the ideal person for this job. We are fortunate to have attracted someone with her proven ability to this position."

Brennan began her career as a Philadelphia police officer in 1976, where she held progressively responsible positions, eventually becoming one of the first female detectives to be assigned to the elite Homicide Unit. During her nine years in the Homicide Unit, she was widely regarded as one of the premiere detectives in the city.

She came to Penn in 1996 as a Senior Investigator for the University of Pennsylvania Police Department, and was later promoted to Detective Supervisor.

Brennan recently received a Master's Degree in Organizational Dynamics from Penn.