Tell us about yourself. Where are you from? How long have you been a police officer? What led you to the field of public service? I’m currently assigned to the Missouri State University substation. I’m married and have two children. I’m originally from Waynesville, MO., and I attended the University of Central Missouri and Southwest Missouri State University. I have been a police officer for 24 years. During that time, I’ve been assigned to many units within the department. As long as I can remember I always wanted to be a police officer. I feel that the job is a calling for an individual to want to help others.
Explain the partnership between the Springfield Police Department and Missouri State. How long has the partnership been in place? What are the benefits of having commissioned Springfield Police officers working on campus? The Springfield Police Department was contracted by Missouri State University in 1992 to provide a police presence on campus to help protect the students, faculty and staff. It was also established to help provide resources and training to students on campus that is unique to police training. There are several benefits of having Springfield Police Department on campus. First and foremost, MSU gets highly trained officers on campus to keep the peace as well as provide education. SPD officers receive a multitude of continuing education and training on a quarterly basis to maintain their skills.
What is the relationship between Safety and Transportation and the Springfield Police Department? How do you use the resources of both departments to help our students? SPD and Public Safety work hand-in-hand to make sure the campus is a safe place. We work together to develop new ideas on how to provide the best possible service we can for Missouri State University. When MSU dispatch receives a call for service, Public Safety and SPD will respond and investigate the call together.
What are the responsibilities of the officers that work at the Missouri State substation besides the “typical” duties of a police officer? Can you explain the community policing model? MSU officers have a multitude of responsibilities when they are assigned to this unit. SPD officers assigned to MSU give multiple presentations such as (SHARP) Sexual Harassment and Rape Prevention, Run Hide Fight which deals with active shooter or active aggression and how to handle yourself during a situation like that. We also provide drug and alcohol education to groups or organizations that request us to provide that information. MSU officers also provide public safety while on campus. They are responsible for handling all criminal cases and follow ups on campus.
What safety tips do you have for our families that they can share with our students? Make sure that students are aware of their surroundings. Make sure they pay attention to what’s going on around them when they are walking to and from campus. If they are ever in need, they can call MSU Public Safety and a Public Safety officer or an SPD officer from campus would be more than happy to assist them.
What is S.H.A.R.P and Run, Hide, Fight? How do you sign up for these classes? The SHARP (sexual harassment and rape prevention) course can be scheduled through Public Safety (https://www.missouristate.edu/safetran/SHARPtraining.htm). Run, Hide, Fight can also be scheduled through Missouri State University Public safety office. These two courses are available at no cost to anyone requesting these presentations.
What is the last movie you saw and would you recommend it? Why or why not? I’d have to say it was Troll’s. When you have a young child, you don’t get to pick your own movies anymore. J