Public Safety. For years these words have caused a shudder to go through the bodies of many students on campus. More than a few students have a story about a run-in with those officers in blue, and very few of them have a happy ending. Of course, what U.S. college student doesn’t complain about the university’s ticket-givers? We are, admittedly, a tough group to please.
But, under former DPS Director Jim Huffman, the department had evolved into a police force with a reputation of hassling first and asking questions later. A lawsuit was even filed against DPS by a former officer who accused the department of having a hostile racial environment and the department was the target of numerous allegations, including one complaint last fall of racial profiling of students.
Students also often complained that officers were uncaring and unconcerned about their well being, or referred to them as glorified traffic enforcers or gate Nazis. Some of this was no doubt perception, some of it reality.
It was clear that Public Safety could use some changes.
And those changes are beginning to take place this year as Director Earl Carpenter settles into his new job. Public Safety is working to become more student-orientated and less like the police image of the past.
Carpenter’s new way of viewing service has already hit campus. DPS has been working hard to earn back the trust of the students who felt betrayed under the former image.
These changes are in a large part due to President Dr. Andrew K. Benton’s reorganization of the campus. Although the university maintains that Huffman chose to retire on his own, Huffman, in an interview with the Graphic last year, hinted that the decision was as much forced as it was voluntary. His exit and Carpenter’s subsequent hiring marked a positive shift in the department.
Carpenter is known for being a friendly and caring man, yet diligent and disciplined in his work. His attitude is sure to influence the department in a positive way.
At the Graphic, we have noticed Public Safety being more open and willing to speak with us. Also, the weekly Public Safety reports have been growing. Is it because more incidents are occurring on campus, or rather that more information is being disclosed to the public?
The rest of the student body seems to be noticing the more open atmosphere as well, as officers have become more friendly and caring with students. So far this year, there have not been any formal reports of students complaining about poor treatment by a Public Safety officer.
Public Safety is working to solve problems on campus like parking and theft. Officers have been monitoring the parking situation and traffic congestion to determine how the problem can be fixed and have identified a few viable solutions. The department’s new program, Operation Identification, is now in place to reduce theft by encouraging students to engrave their belongings. Crime prevention literature and seminars are also part of Public Safety’s effort to better serve students.
We encourage Public Safety to embrace its new, friendlier leader and learn from him how to be more caring and receptive to the needs of the students. Students will appreciate the change and it will make them feel less reluctant and more comfortable in dealing with the department.
Our only hope is that these changes will be permanent and Public Safety will become a student-friendly organization that has our best interests at heart. The groundwork has been laid, but it’s up to the department to continue to change down the road.
October 03, 2002