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University Division gets zapped
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Rexburg Police Department gives officers of former campus force shocking transition
REXBURG -- Several officers from the Rexburg Police Department participated in Taser training at the wrestling room at Madison High School on Tuesday morning.
Although they are experienced officers, the training is part of the transition as the city's police department absorbs five police officers who were formerly employed by Brigham Young University-Idaho under the city's University Division.
Capt. Randy Lewis, a spokesman for the Rexburg Police Department, said the training, which includes firearms and breathalyzer training, is part of the routine orientation process for new hires at the department.
"They're all experienced officers. They're really an asset for this department," Lewis said.
Also on Tuesday, BYU-I made an announcement about how it will conduct security on the campus, now that the University Division has been disbanded.
Both developments are in response to a recent change in the organization of policing in Rexburg that disbanded the city's University Division. The University Division fell under the city's jurisdiction, although its officers were employees of the university.
The change was made Oct. 2 in response to an opinion from the Idaho Attorney General that employees of a private institution cannot be state-authorized peace officers.
A news release from BYU-I states: "A new organization is being formed by the university to provide security functions on the BYU-Idaho campus. Some of the duties of the new campus security organization are to provide safety for students, employees and visitors to campus, as well as to protect campus facilities and other assets. A new University Security Council is also being formed to develop strategy, policy and procedures for the organization."
James Smyth, University Resources vice president, said, "The process of establishing our new security force is complex and will take some time to do it wisely. We are striving to keep employees affected by the change well informed."
University officials say that because of the financial burden this shift has placed on the city of Rexburg, BYU-I is providing financial assistance to the city including the donation of much of its law enforcement equipment.
"We believe the university and its students will be well served by our new campus security organization and ongoing local police protection. No one should notice any material difference. Police protection on campus has always been under the direction of the Rexburg Police Department," Smyth said in the news release.
Lewis said while the number of students that the university brings to the area increases the amount of officers needed, the problems are minimal.
"We've got a wonderful university to work with," he said. "They're good, sound, respectful students. We do have the normal things that go on, but they're greatly reduced because of the standards of the students. They're here for an education and not for the party life."
jlaw@uvsj.com
REXBURG -- Several officers from the Rexburg Police Department participated in Taser training at the wrestling room at Madison High School on Tuesday morning.
Although they are experienced officers, the training is part of the transition as the city's police department absorbs five police officers who were formerly employed by Brigham Young University-Idaho under the city's University Division.
Capt. Randy Lewis, a spokesman for the Rexburg Police Department, said the training, which includes firearms and breathalyzer training, is part of the routine orientation process for new hires at the department.
"They're all experienced officers. They're really an asset for this department," Lewis said.
Also on Tuesday, BYU-I made an announcement about how it will conduct security on the campus, now that the University Division has been disbanded.
Both developments are in response to a recent change in the organization of policing in Rexburg that disbanded the city's University Division. The University Division fell under the city's jurisdiction, although its officers were employees of the university.
The change was made Oct. 2 in response to an opinion from the Idaho Attorney General that employees of a private institution cannot be state-authorized peace officers.
A news release from BYU-I states: "A new organization is being formed by the university to provide security functions on the BYU-Idaho campus. Some of the duties of the new campus security organization are to provide safety for students, employees and visitors to campus, as well as to protect campus facilities and other assets. A new University Security Council is also being formed to develop strategy, policy and procedures for the organization."
James Smyth, University Resources vice president, said, "The process of establishing our new security force is complex and will take some time to do it wisely. We are striving to keep employees affected by the change well informed."
University officials say that because of the financial burden this shift has placed on the city of Rexburg, BYU-I is providing financial assistance to the city including the donation of much of its law enforcement equipment.
"We believe the university and its students will be well served by our new campus security organization and ongoing local police protection. No one should notice any material difference. Police protection on campus has always been under the direction of the Rexburg Police Department," Smyth said in the news release.
Lewis said while the number of students that the university brings to the area increases the amount of officers needed, the problems are minimal.
"We've got a wonderful university to work with," he said. "They're good, sound, respectful students. We do have the normal things that go on, but they're greatly reduced because of the standards of the students. They're here for an education and not for the party life."
jlaw@uvsj.com
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roaddogw wrote on Oct 11, 2008 11:51 AM: