Muncie, Ind. — To protect and serve is the motto for police officers everywhere. They take an oath to uphold the law and provide for the public. The same can be said for the men and women who serve on the Ball State University Police Department. Not only do they serve and protect their community, but they work to go beyond what is expected of them.
The department promotes the method of community policing, where they have officers constantly interact with the community to establish strong connections and build trust with people. This is done through various ways such as ‘Lunch with a Cop ', a program that encourages students to sign up to get a meal with an officer. The program aims to provide students with a positive interaction with the department, while also giving an informational opportunity.
Lieutenant Benjamin Wright believes that being social with students reduces anxiety across the campus.
“Throughout the day we also have opportunities to do, like, foot patrols through the different buildings across campus. So usually I spend 30 to 45 minutes of my day trying to go through areas like the atrium for example, or the student center. Or even at the arena over where the rec center is. I'll walk through, and wave at people if they see me. You know, just trying to be friendly,” said Lt. Wright.
Many of the calls the department gets on campus deal with disturbing the peace or petty theft, with an occasional violent student. No matter the call, officers show up and handle the situation to the best of their ability.
“We try to reach out to the housing staff and try to set up training, or more like talks, with residents in the halls to present ideas for alcohol safety awareness, how to party safely and things like drunk driving awareness. That way we can give information while also bridging that community gap with students,” said Lt. Wright.
The Ball State department also works with the Muncie Police on calls where they may need assistance. Many calls that Ball State officers help with deal with those who have mental problems, or those who are homeless. Lt. Wright said it is unfortunate for those people and that “the officers on call respond to these situations with the best of their ability.”
Lt. Wright said he wants students and the community around Ball State to connect better with the police department, and understand that law enforcement isn’t meant only to serve and protect. But to also function as a core member of communities everywhere.
More information can be found by going to the Ball State website and searching for University Police.
Contact Aiden Murray with comments at aiden.murray@bsu.edu.
