NMC, TC Police open satellite police office on campus
TRAVERSE CITY – Northwestern Michigan College and the Traverse City Police Department opened a satellite office on NMC’s main campus today, an effort to build upon existing communication and partnership between the college and law enforcement.
The satellite, or sector office, is co-located in the NMC security office in West Hall. Officers will have a desk, computer and phone available 24 hours a day.
NMC Assistant Director of Security Jim White initiated the idea of a satellite police office on campus proactively, not due to any increase in crime. Traverse City officers already conduct vehicle patrols of campus. The satellite office will serve as a base from which officers can establish face-to-face relationships and learn the needs of the campus community.
“Our faculty, staff, students can get to know the officers that work this area, give us more of a one-on-one relationship with local law enforcement,” White said.
TCPD Interim Chief Jeff O’Brien said the satellite office fits with his goal to restructure the TCPD along a community policing model. The department has operated one other satellite office, in the emergency room at Munson Medical Center, since January 2010.
“It falls in line with that philosophy, that concept. This is a prime example of how you decentralize an agency,” O’Brien said. “Any time we can get our guys out of the car, it’s a good thing. They’re going to meet staff, and make friends, go out for coffee.”
White called the new office a “win-win.” In the wake of events like the Oct. 1 shooting at Umpqua Community College in Oregon, a more visible police presence could provide both deterrence and reassurance.
There is no cost to NMC, which will continue to contract with Grand Rapids-based DK Security to provide private security on all four campuses.
“This is not costing the college anything, this is not costing the taxpayers anything. This is just to have exposure,” O’Brien said. “We’re thinking about safety of the students, we’re thinking about having a plan, we’re thinking about a partnership with the police department, the college, security.”
RELEASE DATE: November 17, 2015
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Jim White
NMC Assistant Director of Security
(231) 995-1939
jwhite@nmc.edu
Jeff O’Brien
TCPD Interim Chief
(231) 995-5170
jobrien@traversecitymi.gov