The administration is taking a series of steps designed to restore confidence in the University Police Department, and Ball State is to expect more action during the next few weeks, according to a statement released by university President Blaine Brownell.
Brownell issued his third "President's Perspective" e-mail/newsletter Wednesday evening, addressing the Department of Public Safety.
Although Brownell said he tries to consistently send out the mass e-mail to faculty and staff approximately every six weeks and focusing on a broad amount of topics, this newsletter was "unique."
"This letter is unusual," Brownell said. "It is devoted to just one topic. (UPD) has received so much publicity. I can't meet with everybody, and sending out my perspective on this issue was the next best thing to keep people informed."
He specifically wrote about the importance of reliable leadership in the police department.
Brownell said it is his intent to make all necessary decisions regarding UPD quickly, but not impetuously to ensure the department is moving in the right direction.
"Unfortunately, a number of questions and concerns about the integrity of the department have arisen over the past eight months," Brownell said in the e-mail.
"As I have stated in the past, we have become concerned about what appears to be a pattern occurring over time in which a small minority of officers have failed to consistently meet our expectations of appropriate conduct."
Brownell also addressed recent allegations against the police department. He said every allegation that was made public, as well as allegations that were not announced, were looked at very carefully during the investigation done by the Indiana State Police.
"Let me assure you, the detectives looked at every allegation you have seen in the media and more," Brownell wrote. "We(the administration) have complete faith in the thoroughness of their work, and coupled with the prosecutor's finding, we believe we can and should put allegations of criminal conduct to rest as unfounded."
Brownell also stated his commitment to having one of the finest public safety departments in the country and to hold all officers accountable to the highest standards of conduct.
"Our students, faculty, staff and our campus neighbors must have confidence in our police," Brownell said. "Our goal is to have a department that operates in a manner that is above criticism. That is the way we wish it to be."
In May, Student Affairs will have completed a comprehensive program review of UPD and a national search for a permanent police chief will begin, Brownell said.
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