By Jillian Manty | Observer Contributor
At MWCC, the Campus Police force works closely with the different agencies on campus as well as outside police officers in order to ensure the safety of students, staff, and the community.
The Campus Police’s most common interaction with students is usually just friendly conversations in the parking lots or hallways on campus. However, when disciplinary action is needed, they are always ready for it, whether it be alongside the Dean of Students office or even making formal arrests.
“We do make arrests or summon people to court for breaking laws,” Melissa Croteau, Campus Police Lieutenant, said. “We are also involved in the disciplinary procedures on campus with the Dean of Student Services. I have made and assisted with arrests on campus for various crimes including drug and weapon violations, restraining order violations, and assault and batteries. More so, my officers and I are involved with disciplinary actions with the Dean.”
Jason Zelesky, Dean of Students, is very familiar with working with the Campus Police on issues that impact campus safety and student behavior. “It is an excellent partnership focused on building and maintaining a safe, inclusive, and respectful campus community,” Zelesky said. “I work with Campus Police every day – multiple times per day – to share information and respond to any and all concerns.”
According to Zelesky, the officers are “exceptional people” who care a great deal for students and their success. “Compassionate”, “informed”, and “committed” are all adjectives that came to mind about the Campus Police.
In addition to disciplinary issues, the Campus Police also works frequently with Gregory Clement, Associate Dean of Students, on programming and event management.
“Campus Police provide coverage for events,” said Clement. “They work closely with us to assure our students and guests have a positive and safe experience at our events. We have a number of events each week. However, we have more collaboration with Campus Police on our traditional evening events.”
According to Clement, all of his experiences with the Campus Police have been positive and he believes that they are always helpful and willing to help students and faculty alike.
In addition to attending various events and managing disciplinary issues, a typical day for an officer is very busy. For Croteau, being next in charge to Chief Kolimaga, her duties include lots of mandated paperwork for reporting crimes on campus to the State Police and the FBI, reviewing officers’ incident reports, writing and reviewing department policies, and scheduling all officers for trainings and weekly work schedules.
Campus Police are always training to better themselves and ensure the safety of both students and faculty at MWCC. Over her 15 years, Croteau has attended hundreds of trainings on various topics including legal updates, domestic violence, drug laws, mental health concerns, defensive tactics/fire arms, first responder, CPR/AED, first aid, and supervisor training.
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