OCC’s New Campus Security Chief Has Longtime Ties to College

Orange Coast College announced the hiring of Jim Rudy as its new Director of Campus Security in early September. Rudy — who had been serving as the interim director since July — has longtime ties to OCC, starting with his time as a student in the 1980s.

“I was an OCC Pirate and had an outstanding first-year college experience,” he says. “The instructors were passionate about their course material and did their best to assist with students in their academic success. I will always remember Professor [Tom] Garrison showing up on the last day of class in snorkel gear.”

After leaving Coast, Rudy attended the Orange County Sheriff’s Academy, later returning as an instructor. He spent more than 20 years with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, from 1985 until 2017, serving as the chief of police services, executive aide to sheriff, and captain/division commander, among other roles.

During his short time as interim director of OCC’s security operations, Rudy found a welcoming environment that spurred his decision to stay on permanently.

“Over the past couple months, I noticed that the students, faculty, staff and community are engaged in the campus activities and they all contribute to the success of OCC, which definitely drove my desire to become a member of the OCC team,” he says. “As for the public safety staff, I was very impressed with their interaction with students and their efforts to create a safe learning environment. They strive to do their best and each have a personal investment in safeguarding our campus.”

As the College contends with several construction projects — the OCC Planetarium is near completion, while the site of a new Student Union is currently being graded, and construction on student dormitories and a new Aquatic Center will soon begin — Rudy is focused on campus parking, and easing congestion around campus.

As for future plans, Rudy hopes to bring new technology to OCC’s public safety department. “I would like to see more campus cameras and automated door systems,” he says.

“It’s great to have Jim Rudy as our new Director of Public Safety. He brings outstanding experience with a student- and community focused approach to public safety and emergency management,” says Vice President of Administrative Services Rich Pagel.

Rudy has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and sociology from California State University, Fullerton and a master’s degree in behavioral science and conflict management from California State University, Dominguez Hills. He lives in Placentia with his wife.