Watch out, Security is here! No wait, it’s just Public Safety, they’re here to help us.
It cost six thousand dollars for the newly named Public Safety department to change their name.
Todd Pelazza, Director of Public Safety, said that the department has been thinking about the name change for awhile, and after a proposal by the officers last year it finally went through.
“The name Public Safety better defines what we actually do on campus,” he said. “Security gives the image of a night watchman simply observing and reporting, but we do a variety of things on campus.”
He also said that on most college campuses the name of Public Safety or simply the Police Department is used instead of Security.
Students seem to be more concerned with the hefty price tag than the name change itself.
“Why would you waste money on that when you could spend money on things to benefit the students,” said Jenna Cullinane, ’06, “We already know what Security does, a name change isn’t going to change how we think about them.”
Pelazza explained that the six thousand dollars went to the new graphics on the vehicles, shoulder patches for the uniforms, badges, collar pins, decals on the bicycles, and letterheads.
The money for these changes came from a contingency fund, which is a stored fund that can be used for things that were not previously included in the budget.
Pelazza proposed the name change to the Vice President of Student Services and was awarded the funds.
Some students are still skeptical about any real effects the name change will have.
“It’s not going to change
other’s views of who they are, especially from the student’s perspective,” said Meghan Dancho ’06.
“They want to look like they’re not the bad guys and portray a more campus friendly attitude,” said Dan Willis ’05.
He added, “It doesn’t make too much sense. It wasn’t worth it (the money) because it’s still the same security.”
“I think it’s just a public relations move to build friendly relations with the students,” said Joe DeMarzo ’05.
Pelazza said that he knows a lot of students have a negative opinion of the Public Safety department.
However, in a survey done last year, out of the 300 students that responded, most of the comments and interactions reported were positive.
This year the Public Safety department plans to continue the Student Ride-Along Program in which students will get to interact with the officers in a non-confrontational setting by riding aroun d with them.
“We would like nothing more than to continue that positive relationship with students,” said Pelazza.
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