By: Mackenzie Boos
How long have you been working here?
I have been a Western police officer for 18 years.
What is your favorite part of your job?
The opportunities to help people and build connections with faculty, staff and students.
What is your favorite thing about Western?
My personal favorite thing about Western is the way our campus community works together and embraces each other.
What are your duties besides parking tickets?
MWSU officers are primarily responsible for all criminal reports, criminal investigations and the enforcement of federal and state law, city ordinances and university rules and regulations. Parking tickets are a portion of the duties when time allows, but the majority of the parking citations are issued by student interns working for the Parking and Security office.
What do you think students should know about the police department?
In my opinion, faculty, staff and students may not realize that the MWSU Police Department (PD) is a state recognized Law Enforcement agency. As such, all MWSU police officers are real police officers and could work at any other Law Enforcement agency in Missouri.
Are police always stationed on campus?
Yes, MWSU Police Department has a staffing of full time officers that are working 24 hours a day 7 days a week.
If someone feels nervous or anxious, is someone always on call or can walk someone to their car?
Yes, Parking and Security services will typically handle this unless they do not have anyone working, then a police officer will respond to provide the same service.
What are some new advances that campus police are doing?
Law Enforcement, especially campus law enforcement, is always willing to try new tactics or best practice operations to provide the best protection. The newest resource available to MWSU PD that has been a great tool in criminal investigations has been the addition of several security cameras being installed in numerous campus buildings.
What advice do you have for students to keep them more safe?
To be aware of their surroundings and always try to stay in groups. If you see something out of the ordinary or that looks suspicious, report it immediately.
What is the most reported crime on campus?
The highest reported crime on campus is larceny-theft or the stealing of people’s belongings.
Who receives training on sexual violence, and what are their obligations?
All MWSU police officers have received basic sexual assault training and are capable of responding to these types of reports/calls. MWSU PD routinely completes additional training that becomes available or conducts training within the department.
Who is the first responders when there is an emergency?
MWSU being the primary law enforcement agency for campus would be the first responders to an emergency on campus. Depending on the emergency and what that emergency would require, we maintain a close working relationship with the Missouri Highway Patrol, Buchanan County Sheriff’s Department, St. Joseph Police Department, St. Joseph Fire and Buchanan County EMS.
