Walking around campus, the only time you may have ever engaged with the campus police is when you’ve gotten a parking ticket, but the Chief of Campus Police wants the students to know that they are there to help however they can.
When talking with the Chief he stated that his officers take the time to help students above and beyond what is required of them. Case in point being that recently two of his officers helped a student replace the license plate bulb on their car after being stopped by city police. Campus police offer a multitude of services to students, but the most noteworthy of them include the ability to jump dead batteries and open locked car doors free of charge. The campus police have purchased jump boxes for the university to assist students with dead car batteries. They also can help students get back into their car if they lock the keys inside without the cost a tow company would charge. These services are notable as they go above the call of law enforcement.
So, are the officers of campus police real officers? Yes, Fairmont States campus police is staffed by sworn and unsworn law enforcement officers, who have attended an academy and are certified by the state. Fairmont State police officers have full arrest authority to arrest individuals. The officers maintain their certification by attending training hours. While the officers enforce traffic laws and city ordinances, they expand beyond the title of law enforcement to work on safety on campus. The officers are here to protect people, property, and assets. This means that the campus police can investigate crimes as well as assist Fairmont and Marion County with calls since the police department has mutual aid agreements with other communities. According to the Fairmont State website, the police department is also responsible for Emergency Management preparedness efforts and oversees the University’s Emergency Operations Plan that may be implemented in the event of an incident on campus. They also can be a security escort on campus if needed or work security at campus events. When talking with the Chief of Campus Police he noted that he does not want students to think that his officers are like mall cops or are the enemy only there to write citations. In fact, he encourages students to approach the officers to talk to them as they are here to help.
Now of course, part of their job is writing those dreaded $10 parking tickets, when necessary, but there is an easy way to ensure that is not an interaction you will have with campus police. The Chief urges students to read signs before parking or to look at the parking map given to them or online. This will help you locate places free for students to park and allow you to avoid getting a ticket. Next time you are on campus remember the campus police are here to help.
Please refer to the numbers below if you are need of campus police:
Emergency Assistance- 304-367-4357
Non-emergency Need- 304-367-4157
