A new Campus Police Outreach Task Force has been established with the goal to increase communication and support important discussions between students and Campus Police.
“The task force will work with students to build community,” said Bob Ronkoski, SCC executive director of public safety and facilities. “SCC's Campus Police is different than a traditional police department. We are here to serve but also to support student success.”
The Task Force has outlined its purpose with a three-pronged approach:
- To create an opportunity for the open exchange of ideas and perspectives between students and police officers about campus policing.
- To identify opportunities to demonstrate leadership in fostering strong relationships between students and Campus Police.
- To discuss current social issues impacting the community, region and nation.
The 15-member task force includes 10 students: the president and vice president of the Student Government Association, two international students, two student athletes, two students residing in campus housing, and two students at large. The remainder of the roster includes three Campus Police representatives, the Student Life Manager and the Chief Diversity and Compliance Officer. Sgt. Brandon Misher will chair the task force.
“The work of the Task Force will provide a greater understanding of campus police, but it will also shine a light on the perceptions of police work in general,” Ronkoski said. “We expect the conversations between all involved to be meaningful, powerful, and, ultimately, positive.”
The group will meet twice a month in the Fall and Spring Semesters with the first meeting being held this month. Chief Ronkoski is planning to invite various guest speakers from the community to present and lead discussions. Meeting minutes will be available on the mySCC portal.