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At times the University of Maine student community has had a shaky relationship with Public Safety. In the past, the department has been reactive rather than proactive, policing students through a patchwork policy of restriction. In turn, students have increasingly come to view Public Safety as a negative force in their lives.
But new Public Safety Director Noel C. March plans to change all of that and soon. Named to his position more than a month ago, March has made clear and defined plans to revitalize UMaine’s Public Safety Department and add a unique dynamic to the college community’s police force. March has laid out a plan for community policing, a concept being developed in towns across the country. In essence, community policing involves every member of the community in the Public Safety force, shelving traditional methods of college security for more progressive goals.
Perhaps the most important facet of March’s plans for UMaine is the assignment of police representatives, or liaisons, to various student- and school-run groups in the community. March plans to name certain officers as liaisons to sports teams, fraternities and other student groups in order to create a stronger bond between Public Safety and the college it serves.
March’s innovative plan of a more community-oriented Public Safety is a step in the right direction. In this way both Public Safety and the campus community can work together toward a safer campus. By giving the department a fresh start under its new leadership, no longer will Public Safety be looked at as the enemy, but an ally.
Bangor Daily News