Campus police seek the community’s help to ensure campus safety

Campus police work with members of the community to help make the campus’ grounds safe and accessible to anyone who steps foot on campus.

Campus safety is a major concern for students, staff, and faculty. They rely on their campus’ police to keep them safe and for everyone else who visits the campus.

According to a research study conducted by a criminal defense lawyer, Graham Donath, and digital agency 1point21 Interactive, San Bernardino is ranked as the most dangerous city in California.

The crimes that take place in San Bernardino affect future incoming students and their feelings of security. Students’ concerns for safety and available resources impact their involvement in the community.

Melissa Gomez, a mother of an incoming freshman, states “I do feel like my son is safe. He is growing up and I need to keep in mind that anything can happen at any time even if he is with me…if he ever feels unsafe I would think he would contact the police. I always remind him not to put himself in situations that can lead to any danger and to always be careful”.

It is recommended that those on campus should know the resources that are available to them and what services the campus’ police can provide to them.

A potential student or faculty member that considers going to CSUSB might research events that had occurred, such as the 2015 San Bernardino Terrorist Attack, Northpark Elementary School Shooting in 2017, and the gunshots that were heard on campus in 2018. An EOP staff member, Wendy Takashi, reflects on these events and says, “It hasn’t affected me personally as far as affecting a member of my family. I do remember when there was the shooting – I did know people there and people who had family members there, so I always have that on the back of my mind. It just makes me see my everyday life and work life a little bit different especially being on a public campus. We just have to attend the classes; campus police inform us so we are aware of how to handle a situation”.

On June 13 and 24, 2019, Alexander Strilio broke into the University Village to steal first aid kits, room keys and access cards to the buildings. Even though the breaking took place on two separate days, they were the same crime committed by the same person. They occurred in a secured and gated dorm complex which raised concerns for current and prospective residents.

Current student and previous dorm resident, Valeria Islas, comments, “Yes, it is scary… Even though the campus is a public place, you’d still want to feel safe. I personally depend on campus police to protect us and stop people from doing crimes on campus. I know it is impossible to stop all crimes but you just want assurance that the police is doing everything possible – not just to keep people who dorm here safe, but everyone else. Personally, I use the escort service provided by campus police when walking back to my dorm at night or around campus.”

Alexander was arrested on June 26, 2019 after someone at University Parkway’s Starbucks recognized him and called the police.

CSUSB’s Chief of Police, Nina Jamsen, credits community members for the arrest of Alexander. She states, “Thanks to Starbucks, he was caught and arrested. We are trying to raise awareness and work with our partners so we can take care of situations like these as soon as possible”.

With the 2019-2020 school year here, campus safety remains a concern and goal for everyone who comes to the campus. Police officer Manuel Aguirre states, “Crimes committed on campus don’t alarm me, they happen. This is an open campus, and we are here to enforce policies; we want people to feel safe at all times. We also encourage they follow any tips we give them and stay aware of their surroundings”.