Public Safety Director Clears Up Misconceptions about Campus Officers

Staff Writer

  
   The University of Arkansas at Monticello's campus security are sworn officers of the law just like city, county and state officers.

   According to John Kidwell, director of public safety, there are many misconceptions about the campus officers. Kidwell said campus security has chased people off campus and watched them stop. The people they were chasing believed they were safe from getting a ticket once they were off campus.

   Campus security can follow anyone off campus and give a ticket. These tickets can either be a campus citation or a municipal citation.

   Not only can they give a ticket, but they have full arrest authority on or off campus. This means they can make an arrest just like any other officer.

   Anyone hired as a campus officer is certified or is currently becoming certified.

   Campus security officers are also certified to carry weapons.  They have training they go through and a test they must pass.  Campus security must go through all the training that other officers go through.

   Not only are the campus officers trained, but they assist the city, county and state officers whenever needed.

   "We assist them (other officers) just like they assist us if we ask," Kidwell said.

   Campus security officers follow the Clery Act, which helps them decide about crimes and other things that go on around campus. An example of this is the description of reported crimes.

   To learn more about UAM's campus security, please visit their website or contact them at 460-1083.

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