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Show Police force strives to protect students, community S - i t w IP Weber State University police officer David L. Valentine practices a routine pull-over in the parking lot east of the police department. The WSUPD is working to increase campus safety by implementing a program titled "Community, Education, Prevention." By ROY PYATT features editor The Signpost The Weber State University Police Department is dedicated to ensuring the safety of all students, employees or visitors on campus. This is accomplished in several ways. Located at various places on campus are emergency phone poles. Most people have seen them at one time or another while registering for school the first time, or while walking from class to class during a semester. Each of these emergency phone poles has a white button and a speaker. "All you do is press the button and talk," said Kyle Stoddard, WSU telecommunications coordinator. "Anybody who needs to use this needs to stay nearby if they can." When the button is pressed, the police dispatch center is called and the dispatcher alerts a police officer. A bright light on top of the pole, similar to a light on the top of a police car, is also lit. This helps the responding officer locate the exact location of the person seeking help. In the event that a person needing help is unable to stay nearby the pole, Stoddard recommends that he or she look for other people. Another way the WSUPD is trying to enhance safety on campus is through implementing a program called "Community, Education, Prevention." WSU Police Capt. Dane Leblanc is working to have this program fully implemented by the fall 2004 semester. This program will strive for more community involvement by creating things such as campus watch programs. Officers may also begin teaching classes on how to avoid becoming a victim of crime. The WSUPD has 10 full-time officers, as well as several reserve officers who help during holidays, large events or when full-time officers take time off. "We try to be a little more officer- friendly," Leblanc said. Leblanc said it's the little things that make a police department friendly. For instance, WSU police officers will unlock a student's car when he or she has locked keys in the car. "Most cities (police departments) won't do that," Leblanc said. Because theft is an issue, however, officers will confirm that the person requesting help actually owns the car. Other aspects of campus safety offered through the police department are programs like The Silent Witness. Students who witness a crime on campus may tip the department anonymously by visiting community.weber.edupolice silentWitness.htm. The WSUPD is also economically conscious. Recently the department put two officers on bike patrol. For the price of operating one patrol car, 10-15 bike officers are able to be fully equipped. This also allows officers to be more approachable to those who need their assistance. WSUPD has a history of caring for the university and doing its best to make it a safe and pleasant .learning environment. Kori Ridges, WSU marketing coordinator for student housing, has had a working relationship with various police officers in the department for one year. "We love having the police officers come in," Ridges said. "They get here fast and they handle things in a very professional manner." You can reach reporter Roy Pyatt by calling 626-762. POLICE ACADEMY STUDENTS For 19 years, Weber State University's excellent training program has been producing outstanding graduates. Completion of the two-module academy meets the training requirements for a Utah law enforcement officer. Many law enforcement agencies hire only applicants who are qualified for certification. You can prepare for this rewarding career in just nine months through the Utah Law Enforcement Academy at WSU. WHERE WSU Campus Annex 1 Ml j TUITION Module 1 - CJ 1070 (3 semester hours) $1,100 Module 2 - CJ 1080 (3 semester hours) $3,100 WHEN Mon.-Thurs., 6-10 P.M., Sat. 8 A.M.-Noon Module 1 (three months) begins in January & June. Module 2 (six months) begins in April and September. Weber State University Continuing Education & Community Services For information, call Kent Paskins or Vicki Jex at (801) 626-7564. Register early to allow time for pre-test and background check. Visit the WSU Police Academy website at http:weber.educepoliceacademy I I 111 I - . . . I 1 1 . 1 UI |