Welcome back to Sagebrushers, the podcast of the University of Nevada. I’m President Brian Sandoval, your host. Today, we’re diving into the vital work of our University Police Department. Our police force not only serves the University but also supports local colleges and community members. I’m thrilled to have Assistant Vice President and Chief of Police, Eric James, with us today.
Chief James joined our police department in 2003 and has held various roles, focusing on training and safety initiatives. Before this, he proudly served in the United States Marine Corps for 12 years. Let’s hear more about his journey.
Sandoval: What motivated you to pursue a career in law enforcement, especially in a university setting?
James: My time in the Marine Corps introduced me to the area when I attended University of Nevada football games. After my service, I returned to Reno with my future wife, and I felt a strong pull toward policing. The unique atmosphere of a university appealed to me. I remember thinking, “One day, I want to work here,” and that dream became a reality after I graduated from the academy.
Sandoval: What’s special about working in a university environment compared to traditional law enforcement?
James: There are similarities, but our community is different. We focus on helping students, faculty, and campus visitors. Our officers handle reports and incidents from start to finish, so we don’t just pass issues off to others. This approach allows us to be well-rounded and prepared for various situations.
Sandoval: I met a young officer transitioning from local law enforcement. What should he expect here?
James: He’ll notice a different culture here. Officers interact more casually, using first names and engaging genuinely with the campus community. In our environment, officers can take their time to help individuals, whether that’s assisting with a lost item or a traffic issue. It’s about building connections rather than rushing to the next call.
Sandoval: Many law enforcement agencies aim for community policing, but you embrace it fully. What unique programs do we offer?
James: Our officers are deeply integrated within our community. They’re often seen in classes, at events, or just having lunch with students. We also provide programs like self-defense classes and workshops on workplace safety, which you might not find in other departments. We want to be a one-stop shop for support and resources.
Sandoval: You mentioned some staff members aren’t sworn officers. What do they do?
James: We have Community Service Officers (CSOs) who address lower-level issues. They assist with situations like reporting a stolen bike or helping someone unlock a door. These officers can relate to students because many were once students themselves.
Sandoval: With a campus so large and diverse, what are the main safety concerns?
James: Property theft is a significant issue, along with underage drinking. We also focus on pedestrian safety, especially at busy crosswalks. Our presence at night in poorly lit areas helps ensure everyone feels safe walking around campus.
Sandoval: Parents often ask about their children’s safety. What do you tell them?
James: I assure them that this is the safest campus in Northern Nevada. We work closely with local law enforcement and want everyone to feel secure. While theft occurs, we encourage students to take precautions, like keeping track of their items and using campus safety features like blue phones and the Pack Watch app.
Sandoval: We’ve made recent investments to enhance safety. Can you share more about that?
James: We upgraded our camera systems to a digital format that covers the campus in high definition. With this, we can review footage from the past month and examine important details. Additionally, we installed active shooter locks on classroom doors to enhance safety protocols.
Sandoval: There have been various demonstrations on campus. How do you manage them?
James: We manage protests carefully, ensuring speakers can express their views while respecting everyone’s rights. We work with students to educate them about lawful expressions and help balance differing perspectives. This way, we maintain a safe environment for everyone involved.
Sandoval: Our campus hasn’t seen the same disruptions as others. Why is that?
James: Strict policies and laws prevent disruptive actions like occupying buildings. We also focus on community engagement and understanding what’s happening in the broader world to prevent similar issues here.
Sandoval: We have a victim advocate on staff. Can you explain that role?
James: Daela Gibson helps connect individuals who have experienced various crimes with resources, whether they’re minor thefts or serious incidents. She assists them in navigating the system and offers ongoing support to ensure they’re okay.
Sandoval: Mental health services are also available. How do you assist students in need?
James: We collaborate closely with the Counseling Center, ensuring students have access to help quickly. If someone is in crisis, we can facilitate immediate support. Our teams work well together to provide the necessary services.
Sandoval: Looking ahead, what changes do you see for law enforcement?
James: I believe we’ll see greater use of drone technology alongside advancements in artificial intelligence. These tools can significantly enhance how we support our community and address issues efficiently.
Sandoval: It sounds like you’re implementing innovative ideas. Thank you for your work, Chief James, and for keeping our campus safe.
James: I appreciate that, President Sandoval. Thank you for having me.
Sandoval: Join us next time on Sagebrushers as we explore more stories from our University. Until then, I’m President Brian Sandoval. Go Pack!
