NOVA Police Department Announces Creation of a New Special Victims Unit (SVU)

The NOVA Police Department is proud to announce the creation and deployment of its own Special Victims Unit (SVU), a specialized division within the department dedicated to handling sensitive and complex investigations involving victims of traumatic crimes. This initiative reflects our ongoing commitment to prioritizing the safety and well-being of our College community.

Many local municipal, county and state law enforcement agencies have established specialized units to handle these critical cases, and the NOVA Police is now following this model. This dedicated unit allows for a highly trained investigator to focus exclusively on these cases, employing compassionate, trauma-informed approaches to ensure that victims are supported throughout the investigative process. While specialized units for higher education institutions are not yet commonplace, the NOVA Police Department has recognized the need for such a resource to provide the highest level of care and expertise to members of our College who have experienced traumatic events.

The NOVA Special Victims Unit will enhance our approach to trauma-informed investigations, focusing on crimes such as stalking, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence and other related offenses. The unit will serve as a key liaison with the College Title IX office, ensuring compliance with federal regulations governing discrimination and sexual misconduct in educational settings. Additionally, the SVU will oversee the department’s adherence to the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), ensuring that victims receive their rights notifications and assistance in navigating the criminal justice system. The unit will also track registered sex offenders, collaborate with the Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) in each jurisdiction and support victims seeking protective orders.

Another core function of the SVU will be to provide training for department personnel in these critical areas, ensuring that all officers are well-equipped to handle sensitive investigations with professionalism, empathy and expertise.

Leading the Special Victims Unit is Detective Sergeant Stephen Brunelle. Detective Sergeant Brunelle brings extensive experience and qualifications to this important role. He holds a master of arts degree and a master of public health, and he has a background as a licensed social worker. Prior to coming to NOVA, he served for nearly a decade as a Sex Crimes Detective with the New Orleans Police Department, gaining invaluable experience in the investigation of complex and sensitive cases. For the past 12 years, he has served as a criminal investigator within the NOVA Police Department, handling high-profile and major crimes that have occurred across our campuses and within our broader community. Detective Sergeant Brunelle has undergone countless hours of specialized training, including advanced courses in trauma-informed interview techniques such as the FETI (Forensic Experiential Trauma Interview) method and the PEACE Model. He has also received specialized training in stalking, domestic violence and dating violence investigations.

The NOVA Police Department is proud to offer this level of specialized service, expertise and unwavering commitment to supporting those impacted by violence and trauma within our College community. With the establishment of the Special Victims Unit, we strive to ensure that every member of the NOVA community receives the care and justice they deserve. Detective Sergeant Stephen Brunelle can be reached at SBrunelle@nvcc.edu. 

Submitted by:
Lt. Tony Ong, Interim Chief of Police, TOng2@nvcc.edu