Coffee with a Cop is an event that aims to bring police officers and community members together. This year, the FGCU’s University Police Department (UPD) brought this event to campus as a way for students to connect with officers and learn more about personal safety.
The event happens at a different location on campus each month.
UPD comprises 21 law enforcement officers and 13 civilian personnel. These officers strive to provide a safe and secure environment for everyone. Lieutenant Terry Targia talked about some of the specific safety measures that are put in place to protect students and staff on campus.
“First off you have the police department, but then we also have the Blue Poles if you’ve noticed them around campus, and then you have your Guardian Eagle app on your phone,” Targia said. “Plus to be fair, the people walking around are our biggest safety thing, because there’s all these additional sets of eyes out there.”
Technology plays a significant role in these safety measures and campus security. According to Targia, there are many ways students can quickly get help if an issue arises because of how efficient today’s technology is.
“If you walk around, you have an issue, hit the button, or again your guardian app, absolutely huge,” Targia said. “You have a way to call for help right in your hand at all times, and by hitting the safety app, you can dial our dispatch center, send immediate video or pictures and we have direct communication.”
The Blue Poles are located around campus in the parking lots and student housing areas for easy access. These poles provide assistance or traffic assistance.
Craig Kowalski, the chief of police, explained that the university is replacing the current Blue Poles with newer technology.
“The University is committed to replacing their current ones with newer technology, which will be solar-powered and cellular-based,” Kowalski said. “We’re going to have speakers on them to make announcements.”
“We’re planning it out, but as far as we’re hoping, the project begins in December.”
Prioritizing safety helps prevent accidents and ensure everyone’s well-being. UPD deeply prioritizes the safety of its students and staff. It even prioritizes engaging with the student community and being present on campus. It wants to be visible and accessible to all.
“This event is an example,” Kowalski said. “We want to be invited to events and try to go to everything we can.”
Bill Horn, a police officer for UPD, provided some advice on how students can stay safe on and off campus.
“Be vigilant,” Horn said. “Know what’s going on around you, and don’t be stuck on your phones all the time, all right, look up and around. Many students will keep their heads down on their phones constantly, but you don’t know who’s next to you.”
One of the most common types of crimes reported on campus is one that many wouldn’t think of bike borrowing or theft. Targia gave insight into what he has seen in the past.
“I’ll go through my little spiel on it,” Targia said. “Sometimes students could be considered busy, or they’ve been out all night, maybe at the library studying, and they pull up to their dorm, and instead of taking the 10 seconds to chain up their bike, they just run upstairs.”
“And the next morning, some student is late to class and sees an unchained bike, and they borrow to get across campus.”
UPD strives to provide a safe campus for all students and staff with their safety measures.
Kowalski clarified how the safety measures help create a secure and supportive environment for everyone.
“Overall, this campus is very safe,” Kowalski said. “We have a low crime rate, and I want to say it’s contributed to you as students and us as the safety layers we have in place.”
