Tom Phillips has been named Bloomsburg University’s new director of University Safety and Police after serving as interim director for the past six months.

Phillips has more than 20 years of experience in law enforcement, retiring from the Allentown Police Department five years ago as a patrol sergeant. He served as a campus police officer at Cedar Crest College, Allentown, before coming to BU in fall 2009. A native of Dunmore, Phillips earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice/sociology from the University of Scranton.

“I have a strong background in community policing, which goes hand-in-hand with crime prevention,” Phillips said. “As interim director and, now, as director, I’m relying on my years of experience and training to bring the university police up to date on current police practices.”

Richard Rugen, vice president for administration and finance, said, “Tom brings a high degree of professionalism and law enforcement knowledge to Bloomsburg. Our entire campus community is benefiting from his experience and expertise.”