As a resident assistant, I have made connections with resources all over campus. However, no group of people on campus has stuck out to me as much as Campus Police. First of all, all of our campus police officers are sworn in police officers. We do not have just security officers. Our campus police constantly patrol the university – 24/7, 365 days. They all have the power to arrest and wear a full weapon belt.
In addition, most of our police officers have experience outside of the world of being a “college cop.” Our officers come from everywhere, from narcotics to juvenile corrections. Many have or have had, their children as students at the university, and therefore, think of all of the students here as their children. In addition, as UNH is a very criminal justice-heavy university, having Campus Police around helps students to network and get a better understanding of what they are going to get themselves into someday.
Campus Police believes in the power of community policing, meaning that their high presence and involvement at the university is meant to build relationships between students and officers, in order to deter crime. To put this into practice, each residence hall is assigned an officer, or two, to get to know them better. In my opinion, this method is extremely effective and makes many students feel safer and more comfortable away from home.
On a much more personal level, the Campus Police officers at UNH are my heroes. I have seen them remain calm and loving, even in the most high-stress situations. No other group of people can take complete control of an incident so quickly and competently. RAs can always rest when Campus Police arrives, knowing that everything will be okay. The Campus Police officers truly have the best interest of the students in mind – they are not just here to arrest people.
I have been assigned the same officer to my building for the past three years. Over that time, my officer has become not just an authority figure, or co-worker, but someone I can go to for help about anything. Despite popular opinion, being an RA does not make you invincible, and my officer has helped me through more incidents than I can count. Not only is he there for consultation regarding residential concerns, my officer is like family.
When I have a bad day or am unsure about my future after being an undergraduate, he is there with a big smile and hug to reassure me that everything will be okay. This family environment is worth so much more to me than anyone could ever imagine. Besides, my officer made every RA in my building blankets for the holiday season. Who else goes above and beyond like this? I am blessed to have the opportunity to work alongside Campus Police, and to get to know the incredibly dedicated and passionate group of men and women who courageously fight to keep our campus safe every day.
