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Jacksonville State University Police Officer Neil Fetner Jacksonville State University Police Officer Neil Fetner is UPD’s accreditation manager and public information officer, which means the Roanoke native, who joined JSU in 2002, has a big hand in explaining the campus public safety program’s areas of service for students as well as the public. Fetner says many people are surprised at the depth and range of service rendered by UPD, which distinguished itself with accreditation from CALEA (Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies ). CALEA is a voluntary accreditation for law enforcement agencies based on a body of standards internationally accepted by the law enforcement community. Only 20 percent of the full-time law enforcement officers in the United States are members of agencies officially within the CALEA accreditation process. UPD gained initial accreditation on November 22, 1997 and re-accreditation on November 22, 2000. Fetner recently provided this brief overview of UPD: QUESTION: Is your department a security or police department? FETNER: For many years, our department was referred to as a security department. Even today, some people still refer to us as "security". However, in the mid-1970s we transitioned from a security to a police department. We offer the same services as traditional law enforcement agencies. We also have officer's on-duty 24 hours-a-day, seven days a week. If assistance, please call us at 782-5050. QUESTION: What is the difference between a university police officer and an officer or deputy sheriff in a student’s hometown? FETNER: There are more similarities than differences. University police officers must undergo a stringent screening process before they are employed. In many cases, our screening process is more stringent than those found with other law enforcement agencies. Once employed, a university police officer must attend a regional police academy where he or she trains along with law enforcement officers from municipal police departments, county sheriffs' departments, and other local or state law enforcement agencies. Once a university police officer has successfully completed the academy, the Alabama Peace Officer's Standard Training Commission certifies him or her as a law enforcement officer. This board oversees law enforcement certification for all law enforcement officers in the state of Alabama. However, there are some noticeable differences. In addition to academy training, a newly employed university police officer must complete a 12-week field training officer program. This program integrates the academy training into practical work experience that prepares the officer to work on his or her own. Not all law enforcement agencies offer this program. Finally, in addition to enforcing state laws, university police officers are also responsible for assisting in enforcing university parking rules and regulations, campus housing rules and regulations, and the Student Code of Conduct. QUESTION: What should parents keep in mind about campus public safety? FETNER: Moving from home and being on your own for the first time is a major life step for most young people. They must accept a higher level of responsibility for their behavior and safety. This is part of the maturation process through which they become responsible adults. One thing parents can do to help their son or daughter is to remain involved. Young people need support to help make good decisions or address issues in a responsible manner. Parents should stay in contact with their student(s) and discuss important life issues such as the use of alcohol, tobacco products or drugs, dating, or personal safety. Students should be encouraged to contact the police department with any questions or problems they may have. A good contact is the Crime Prevention Coordinator at 782-5239. |
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