|
Lakeland's police department bears primary responsibility for safety on campus. Operating as an autonomous police district since 1975, Lakeland police officers are trained in law enforcement, fire safety, first aid, and hazardous materials disposal, and exercise full police powers. The campus police department operates a 24-hour emergency communications and dispatch center linked directly to a regional, statewide, and national communications system. Campus police communications officers continuously monitor security cameras and alarm systems, and handle more than 60 walk-in clients per day at the dispatch desk.
During 2008, the police dispatch center processed over 70,000 requests for service. Police communications officers service the college shuttle bus fleet by handling calls for pickup/drop-off, and support the college switchboard staff as backups during non-business hours. Student employees are trained extensively in police procedures and on the communications equipment so that they may function effectively within the student population as extra "eyes and ears" of the Lakeland Police Department. The police department is also directly involved in other aspects of campus safety. Police personnel conduct regular crime prevention workshops with various groups on campus, administer the regional basic police academy training program, and participate in a variety of community organizations and programs. Police administration and operations offices are centrally located in the basement of A-Building. |
