Campus Security makes new changes
Posted by The Skyliner on September 23rd, 2009Julie Cobb
Staff Writer
(File Photo/The Skyliner)
As the North Greenville University student body begins the transition into a new school year, Campus Security enters into a new phase of existence as well.
Chief Rick Morris, head of Campus Security, is overseeing all of the new changes being put into place.
“We’ve gone from a white shirt and a pair of black pants with a key ring to professional law enforcement officers in about nine years,” he said.
One of the major issues surrounding the new changes is the issuing of state parking tickets. Although Campus Security has always had the ability to issue state parking tickets, this will be the first semester enforcing them.
Chief Morris explained the use of state tickets.
“Because of the changes in the law now, that’s something we will be utilizing more. We will not just use those indiscriminately,” he said. “If we have somebody who a campus ticket hasn’t gotten their attention for some reason, and they keep running the same stop sign or keep getting caught for speeding, we may have to issue a [state] ticket.”
New safety features are also being put into place. New lighting has been added to Blackwell Drive, in front of the Vandiver residence hall and at Crusader Court. Campus Security is also beginning a phased installation of closed circuit cameras.
Campus Security is also receiving help from outside agencies such as the Travelers Rest Police Department and the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office. The TRPD has offered the use of its facilities and will act as first responders in the event of an emergency.
Campus Security has recently become a fully armed force and has added a new patrol car. It has also intensified its training to four to five hours each month.
“[More training] is going to give us a better quality of officer, a better prepared officer and a more conscientious and more professional aiding officer,” Chief Morris said.
Student safety programs are making an appearance as well. A crash course in self-defense for women is available upon request, and an alcohol interdiction unit is being put into place. They are currently in the process of organizing other programs as well.
Campus Security is open to any questions and concerns voiced by the campus community.
“If there ever was a place where community policing needs to take place, it’s on a college campus,” Morris said.
The Campus Security Web site, found on the NGU homepage under current students, has more information concerning safety policies and regulations.
Tags: Fall 2009, Vol. 109 - Issue 3