Are Public Safety officers being reined in?
Will Public Safety have a larger or smaller presence on campus?
Serena Romero & Erik Oeverndiek
Issue date: 9/29/05 Section: News
With the increase in drinking-related issues and disciplinary problems on campus it would appear that the need for Public Safety presence would increase. Unfortunately there seem to be conflicting points of view on this subject this year.
False fire alarms, liquor and drug violations, public intoxications, breaking and entering, and theft have been just a few of the major problems that have required public Safety's attention in recent years.
This year however, many of these problems will be solved without the help of Public Safety, but rather be handled by the new Resident Director Mary Oleksy.
Dave Mefford, the chief of Public Safety, said, "We've been reined in this year we won't be arresting." What will occur, he said, are "slaps on the wrist by Mary Olesky."
Officer Ryan Weddell and Mefford said, this year Public Safety would only be allowed to arrest students in extreme situations. This has not been the case in the past and was a surprise to hear that something as important as Public Safety's authority would be minimized.
"We're frustrated down here," said Weddell, "Public Safety is located out of sight instead of up in the Campus Center because all we are here for is the day the parents are here, and for insurance. It is not about the safety of the students. We know what goes on on campus, but our hands are tied."
President John Oblak said that to his knowledge Public Safety's power had not been reined in and that "they should report legal violations to the city. If someone has committed a crime, Public Safety can hold them until the police arrive.
"Someone in uniform should be respected whether it is a police officer or a student with a badge. Public Safety isn't security but part of the (Campus) Life division on campus. They should be there to help teach people about appropriate behavior and help them learn," said Oblak.
Oleksy, director of housing and residence life, said, incidents that are reported to Public Safety or an RA are then turned over to the Tina Samaniego, Jollie Harris and resident directors, for case assignments. Larger incidents and academic issues are turned over to Oleksy.
"Public Safety's authority has not changed, and we hope to be working closer with them," said Oleksy. "I think the officers get the shaft. They do keep us safe and don't get enough credit."
This year one arrest was made before school even began for assault on a non-NDNU student, and in the first week there were two incidents where 911 was called.
False fire alarms, liquor and drug violations, public intoxications, breaking and entering, and theft have been just a few of the major problems that have required public Safety's attention in recent years.
This year however, many of these problems will be solved without the help of Public Safety, but rather be handled by the new Resident Director Mary Oleksy.
Dave Mefford, the chief of Public Safety, said, "We've been reined in this year we won't be arresting." What will occur, he said, are "slaps on the wrist by Mary Olesky."
Officer Ryan Weddell and Mefford said, this year Public Safety would only be allowed to arrest students in extreme situations. This has not been the case in the past and was a surprise to hear that something as important as Public Safety's authority would be minimized.
"We're frustrated down here," said Weddell, "Public Safety is located out of sight instead of up in the Campus Center because all we are here for is the day the parents are here, and for insurance. It is not about the safety of the students. We know what goes on on campus, but our hands are tied."
President John Oblak said that to his knowledge Public Safety's power had not been reined in and that "they should report legal violations to the city. If someone has committed a crime, Public Safety can hold them until the police arrive.
"Someone in uniform should be respected whether it is a police officer or a student with a badge. Public Safety isn't security but part of the (Campus) Life division on campus. They should be there to help teach people about appropriate behavior and help them learn," said Oblak.
Oleksy, director of housing and residence life, said, incidents that are reported to Public Safety or an RA are then turned over to the Tina Samaniego, Jollie Harris and resident directors, for case assignments. Larger incidents and academic issues are turned over to Oleksy.
"Public Safety's authority has not changed, and we hope to be working closer with them," said Oleksy. "I think the officers get the shaft. They do keep us safe and don't get enough credit."
This year one arrest was made before school even began for assault on a non-NDNU student, and in the first week there were two incidents where 911 was called.