National Police Week, which takes place every year during the week of May 15, kicked off Sunday and will continue until May 21. A candlelight vigil was held May 13 by the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund in Washington DC.
Ypsilanti, too, will be honoring their fallen officers at 10 a.m. Wednesday in the memorial park across from the police department, according to Eastern Michigan University’ Chief of Police Greg O’Dell.
EMU’s police force, O’Dell said, functions as any normal police force, like Ypsilanti’s own.
“We do anything regular police do and more,” he said.
In addition to providing the services of a regular police force, EMU campus police also take on advisory roles and are available for class lectures on public safety or other topics within their scope of work. Many officers also have office hours in which students and faculty can speak to them one-on-one.
O’Dell said two officers are stationed at the first-year residency halls at all times, and four officers have the distinct role of walking across campus, the foot patrol, making contact with students and faculty throughout the day.
“We’re big believers in visibility on campus,” he said. “It makes us much more approachable.”
The force has fans at the Student Center. Melissa Labane, a junior and employee at the EMU Bookstore, says that they’re great.
“They come in and talk to us [at the book store],” she said. “Some of them recognize me when I’m on campus, too.”
“I love all of them,” Cherelle McGee, senior and fellow employee, said, “especially D-Good and George.”
Since 2010, EMU’s campus police have welcomed four new officers into their ranks to help protect and serve the students and faculty.
Even those not often on campus can find merit in the force. Erin Huffnagle is a guest student from the University of Michigan studying on EMU’s campus.
“I see them a lot in passing,” she said. “It’s nice to see them there.”
Steve Prout, a senior who lives off-campus, said he thinks the stigma of Ypsilanti crime is blown out of proportion. As for campus police: “As long as you see them, you feel safe.”
O’Dell welcomes anyone to come in to the police department office on Oakwood with questions or concerns at any time. Those seeking insight or clarity into law enforcement work are also welcome to come in and learn more.
