As we briefly showed in our campus change article two weeks ago, the Department of Public Safety and Police Services (DPSPS) has made many changes over the summer and early fall, which are expected to improve safety and services across campus. This article will more thoroughly discuss some of the changes, and how they will impact those in the Michigan Tech community.
One of the primary reasons for the many changes is that the DPSPS is under new management. Dan Bennett, who comes to Michigan Tech from the College of Southern Nevada in Las Vegas, took over as department chief in June. Since then, Bennett has instituted several changes and improvements, not least of which is the addition of “Police Services” to the moniker. Bennett said, “Because Michigan Tech employs sworn law enforcement officers, adding the moniker ‘Police Services’ to the name erases all ambiguity and informs the public that we are a law enforcement agency. In addition to police related services, our department also offers a wide range of public safety services, including a safe walk program, weapons registration and storage, parking registration and bike registration.”
Bike registration is one of the biggest additions this year. For a nominal one dollar fee, bicycles can be registered on campus. Students can fill out a quick form and affix a small decal to the bike, which can help the DPSPS track down the bike if it is lost or stolen. Those who register their bike before Oct. 14 will be automatically entered into a drawing for a free high quality bike lock. Four will be given out.
In addition to the aforementioned changes, the DPSPS is more heavily involved in patrolling the campus, providing special and sporting event security (Sgt. Hoffman received specialized training in this area from the Department of Homeland Security), offering a women’s self defense course (information will be announced soon) and updating essential equipment, which will make the entire department more up to date.
One of the more controversial issues on campus that the DPSPS is directly involved with is parking and handing out tickets. The University is currently forming a task force to better assess the parking issue. One of the concerns they will be looking at is creating an appeals process so that those who feel they received a citation in error can better defend themselves.
“However, parking violations on campus will still be enforced. Failure to enforce parking regulations will create a safety hazard that is unacceptable,” said Bennett. “Areas must be clear so authorized emergency vehicles (Fire, EMS and Police) can get to those in need as quickly as possible. Parking vehicles in fire lanes or handicapped spaces are serious infractions that will not be ignored.”
While the DPSPS is excited about the many changes, Bennett noted that, “While we constantly strive to provide the best services possible, campus safety is truly a team commitment in which all facets of the community should be involved. It is important that everyone take responsibility for their own vested interests in helping create a community where everyone feels safe, happy and secure.