2008 Woodie Awards
Campus Police: More than just protection
Lois Jones
Issue date: 8/25/08 Section: Features
Located in the Shasteen building at APSU is the Campus Police and Public Safety department. Made up of 25 officers, the patrol has increased by two since beginning the year.
All officers go through extensive training, POST training: Peace Officer Standard Training. This is the training Clarksville police officers and Montgomery County Sheriff's officers go through as well. After receiving training and certification, all APSU officers are qualified to work anywhere in Tennessee.
Sgt. Elizabeth Genthner began working at APSU in March. She is a former police officer from Georgia. "The biggest change coming to a campus police department from a municipality is that it's more personable because there is a greater chance of influencing the students," said Sgt. Genthner. "The kids have been more open to talking with us because they see us as people as well as officers that care for their well being as a whole."
Sammie Williams, a patrol officer, is a new addition to APSU's Campus Police having started in May. Officer Williams formerly worked for the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office. For Williams, the best thing about working for APSU is, "having the ability to help people in an environment where people want help."
Besides new faces, APSU's Campus Police has also added new gadgets: two T3 motion units. Costing approximately $8,000 each, the T3's allow officers to cross campus in record time. Average response time is three minutes regardless of mode of transportation, according to Chief of Police Lantz Biles.
Over 40 locations for emergency contact have been strategically placed across campus and in dorms. Blue emergency call towers and call boxes located on the buildings make it possible to contact campus police 24 hours a day. Escort service is available 6-11 p.m. if anyone wants a secure escort to his or her dorm or car. Also available are motor assistance program (MAP) services. The list of services available can be viewed through the Campus Police Web information http://www.apsu.edu/police/services.htm.
The new technological additions should make APSU a safer place. Also, the new officers come to APSU with varied experience and knowledge of police procedures. They have a sincere desire to help students. So when you see an officer on campus, take the time to say hello.
All officers go through extensive training, POST training: Peace Officer Standard Training. This is the training Clarksville police officers and Montgomery County Sheriff's officers go through as well. After receiving training and certification, all APSU officers are qualified to work anywhere in Tennessee.
Sgt. Elizabeth Genthner began working at APSU in March. She is a former police officer from Georgia. "The biggest change coming to a campus police department from a municipality is that it's more personable because there is a greater chance of influencing the students," said Sgt. Genthner. "The kids have been more open to talking with us because they see us as people as well as officers that care for their well being as a whole."
Sammie Williams, a patrol officer, is a new addition to APSU's Campus Police having started in May. Officer Williams formerly worked for the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office. For Williams, the best thing about working for APSU is, "having the ability to help people in an environment where people want help."
Besides new faces, APSU's Campus Police has also added new gadgets: two T3 motion units. Costing approximately $8,000 each, the T3's allow officers to cross campus in record time. Average response time is three minutes regardless of mode of transportation, according to Chief of Police Lantz Biles.
Over 40 locations for emergency contact have been strategically placed across campus and in dorms. Blue emergency call towers and call boxes located on the buildings make it possible to contact campus police 24 hours a day. Escort service is available 6-11 p.m. if anyone wants a secure escort to his or her dorm or car. Also available are motor assistance program (MAP) services. The list of services available can be viewed through the Campus Police Web information http://www.apsu.edu/police/services.htm.
The new technological additions should make APSU a safer place. Also, the new officers come to APSU with varied experience and knowledge of police procedures. They have a sincere desire to help students. So when you see an officer on campus, take the time to say hello.
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