The Bradley University Police Department is aiming to make campus more secure with the addition of a Crime Prevention Officer.
Officer Nathan Haynes has been reassigned to the role of Crime Prevention Officer, which, according to a BUPD press release, is not a new concept.
“This position has been on agenda for some time — years now,” Haynes said. “There was not a peak [in crime] or an instance to make the position necessary. Our department is evolving, so we’re making different positions available. We just felt a need for better communication with the university.”
As Crime Prevention Officer, Haynes will be participating and leading a number of campus outreach programs, from presentations in classrooms to meeting with student organizations.
“Our goal is to get Officer Haynes out in front of campus in as many ways as possible,” BUPD Chief Brian Joschko said. “In the classroom, at Late Night BU, working with Student Senate, IFC, Panhel … not just campus, but the community surrounding Bradley, too.”
Haynes, who hails from Oneida, Illinois, served in the U.S. Army for 24 years before retiring from active duty and coming to work for the BUPD in 2014. Haynes said he wants students to understand that, as the Crime Prevention Officer, he is available anytime and anywhere to help.
“The thing is, I can always come to present,” Haynes said. “Whatever information [the students] want, not only on subjects like an active shooter situation, which is a hot topic right now, but anything safety-related. Anyone can email me and set it up.”
The BUPD will be working on the Campus Emergencies Operations Plan Presentation, which includes information on the BU ForeWarn, education on natural disasters and fires, active shooter response and the Run, Hide, Fight program developed by Homeland Security.
“By the end of the semester, students will be very aware of this new position,” Haynes said. “It’s a way to be a direct liaison between police and campus, and I want to be a resource for more education.”
For more information on the programs offered by BUPD and the Crime Prevention services, students can visit http://www.bradley.edu/emergency/additionalguidelines/ or email Haynes at nhaynes@bradley.edu.
