BSU Campus Security gets a makeover

Name is changed to Public Safety

By Andrew Pooch and Nick Jelacie

Word Count: 528

If you are a returning student to campus this year, you may have noticed a change in campus security. Director of Security and Safety, Casey McCarthy felt like it was time for a change.  "We represent more than just security on campus.  I thought changing the name to Public Safety explained more of what we do."                     

McCarthy takes claim for the new look on campus. “I was in charge of the name change, as well as choosing new uniforms and designs for the vehicles,” He said.  McCarthy explained the idea behind the uniform change was to add a look of professionalism.  Previously, the students had worn black polo's with "security" stitched on the sleeve.  Now they have grey polyester button-ups shirts with black trim on the front pockets and shoulders, complemented with a black tie, black pants and black shoes.

According to the BSU Web site the goal of Public Safety is to provide safety and security to the campus community.  The Department of Public Safety is a division of BSU Administrative Affairs.  McCarthy and his team maintain safety on both the BSU campus and that of Northwest Technical College (NTC).  They are responsible for all campus security and parking enforcement at both BSU and NTC.  “We are the only department that is open 24/7,” claimed McCarthy.  “There are always two officers on duty.  Students should feel free to stop by at anytime,” He said.

A small sample of interviews was conducted last week to gain some opinions about Public Safety from the student body.  Most students questioned hadn't noticed a name change until it was revealed to them.  The majority thought that parking detail was the main priority of Public Safety, perhaps because they have only dealt with Public Safety in regards to parking situations.  Billy Sather, BSU Junior, was close in his assumption of Public Safety.  "They are in charge of enforcing campus laws, like giving parking tickets, responding to campus emergencies and keeping sporting events safe,” He said.

Public Safety actually has a number of other responsibilities, including personal safety, programming, property protection, escort service, emergency preparedness, environmental health, lost and found, injury reports, parking regulations and weapons storage.

The environmental health and safety aspect was an important concern with McCarthy.  He mentioned that Public Safety was responsible for recycling and trash on campus, the dorms complying with health and safety standards and all kitchens on campus as well.

The weapons storage is a service that will not be found on many campuses in Minnesota besides BSU.  Many outdoor enthusiasts take advantage of storing firearms and bows in the weapons locker.  Ethan Branum, BSU junior, said, "When I was a freshman at BSU, I put my guns in the locker, because they are expensive and I didn't want them stolen out of my car." Students can take advantage of this and other opportunities that Public Safety has to offer by visiting them in the basement of Walnut Hall.

Public Safety can also be reached at (218) 755-3888 or publicsafety@bemidjistate.edu.  For more information, visit www.bemidjistate.edu/offices/safety/.

Bemidji State Public Safety officers patrol and monitor the streets and parking lots of BSU and NTC in these vehicles.  Photo Taken By: Andrew Pooch.

Public Safety is located in the basement of Walnut Wall. Students are encouraged to stop by there anytime they feel like they have a “safety” issue that needs to be dealt with. Photo Taken By: Andrew Pooch.

Students not interested in buying a yearly parking pass have the option of parking in one of many parking meters on campus. Public Safety is in charge of monitoring the meters and collecting money from the machines. Photo Taken By: Nick Jelacie.