Oswego State University Police are seeking to expand their current community policing strategy through the introduction of an advisory board.
This board is a new way for students to connect with UP surrounding any arising issues around campus communication. The first meeting is scheduled to take place in March.
The newly instated advisory board will consist of one representative from each residence hall, one representative from the Student Association and numerous members of any student organization on campus that would like to participate. The board will also include a representative from the professional staff and a faculty representative. This group will meet on a monthly basis to discuss recent concerns between the connection of students, faculty, staff and UP.
“The goal of this endeavor is to help the department build a closer relationship with those that we serve,” said Officer Kelly Thompson, UP head of community programs. “We are looking to receive input or concerns of all facets of public safety, both on campus and in the surrounding community.”
Thompson said the advisory board will facilitate a better understanding of the duties, function and administrative operations of the police department. She said monthly meetings will build a sense of community and promote public awareness of issues taking place on the Oswego State campus. This will allow groups on campus that have formed for a specific purpose to have an outlet to directly connect with those whose profession is safety and community building on the Oswego State campus.
“Any communication mechanism between constituents and interested parties is usually a positive development if carried out in an environment of openness and respect,” said Chair of the Department of Criminal Justice Roger Guy.
Campus radio personality Oreal Vernon said there could possibly be unwanted tension between the student population and UP.
“I love the idea of putting people in the forefront of this issue that can properly represent us and the college at large,” Vernon said.
With the introduction of a campus-policing initiative, it may leave those students who reside off campus to question if their concerns are being taken into account by the Oswego City Police Department. Students with off-campus housing make up a large percentage of the student population at Oswego State.
“I feel that if we have an outlet to speak with University Police, that the city police department should also be present on the board,” local music DJ and student Shay Daniels said. “As off-campus students, we typically have interactions with the city police, and it would be beneficial to have some transparency with them.”
As for the current information release from the UP, the Oswego City Police Department will not be in attendance for the first meeting in March.
UP said they are striving to be as transparent as possible by creating new methods for students to voice their opinions and bring campus policing issues to light.
Graphic by Shea McCarthy | The Oswegonian
