CAL U TO BOLSTER CAMPUS POLICE FORCE
Posted on October 5, 2011
California University of Pennsylvania will add three
officers to its University Police Department and purchase two more patrol cars
for the campus police force. University President Angelo Armenti, Jr. authorized the
moves to strengthen security on Cal U’s main campus in California, Pa., and on
its nearby south campus, which includes Adamson football stadium, the Roadman
Park and SAI Farm recreation areas, and the Vulcan Village student housing
complex. The additional officers and patrol cars also may be used to
assist the California Borough Police Department as needed. Last week, after Cal U issued the fall semester’s third
“timely warning” about off-campus crimes, President Armenti posted a message on
the Cal U website. In part, it
states that “California University is fully committed to maintaining a safe and
secure environment for our students.”
Although none of these incidents occurred on campus,
President Armenti is taking proactive measures to ensure the safety and
security of the campus community, including Cal U students. “Years ago, many families chose a college for their son or
daughter based largely on its physical appearance,” President Armenti said
yesterday. “Now safety is their No. 1 concern. This is our top priority, as
well.” Cal U’s campus police force currently has three patrol cars
and 16 fully trained officers, including police Chief Bob Downey. The
department also includes three dispatchers/security officers and an
administrative assistant. Two parking officers patrol campus parking lots, as well. “Hiring three new officers means we will be able to add
another patrol officer to each shift,” Downey said. “That will give us more
flexibility and the ability to patrol outlying areas, such as the south campus,
more aggressively.” Two additional cruisers will “enhance the department’s
visibility and effectiveness,” he added. Downey said he would begin to
advertise the positions as soon as possible, following guidelines established
by the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. Read an important saftey message from President Angelo Armenti, Jr.
