A 30-year veteran of policing now serving as deputy chief of the Ottawa police will be Canada's federal ombudsman for victims of crime, Attorney General Rob Nicholson announced on Monday.

"(She is) a well known leader in the police community," Nicholson stated. "I have confidence that Sue will be that strong voice for victims and help ensure their needs are addressed."

The three-year-old post is intended to act as an independent voice for victims in Canada facing federal cases. The position offers information about federal programs and also can identify system issues that come up during trials.

O'Sullivan, a Carleton University graduate who has worked in posts ranging from patrol to criminal investigation, recently worked with victim services organizations at the local, provincial and federal levels to create a co-ordinated victim assistance program.

She also takes part in a number of community organizations, including Big Sisters Big Brother Ottawa and the Dave Smith Youth Treatment Centre, and was named an Officer of the Order of Merit of the Police Forces by the governor-general in 2006.

The appointment takes effect Aug. 16, 2010.