Police presence raises questions
Police presence raises questions
An increased police presence on campus prompts students to question the police's role at Bethel
As campus security has been advertised as a staple for the changes the Bethel Administration has planned for campus this school year, many have seen the new safety measures taken. However, one of these changes have caused students some confusion: the presence of police officers from the nearby North Newton department patrolling on campus, as well as rumors of undercover officers roaming campus at night.
Many students have questioned the legality of this, as Bethel College is a private institution. However, after examining published policies from the administration, it appears that Bethel has not changed any sort of legislation welcoming officers on campus.
Further, the state of Kansas states through Statute 22-2401a, which covers where officers can patrol and exercise power, has no mention of private campuses, though states that similar private properties such as reservations can employ their own police officers to patrol their properties, while public officers are allowed to patrol property lines between the private and public properties.
Otherwise, the only reasons for an on duty officer to patrol private property is either by being invited to patrol the area or having probable cause, such as report or deployment. When asked if uniformed or undercover officers were invited to patrol campus, Student Life had no knowledge of this.
For many students, there are mixed feelings about officers on campus. Some are asking for interaction with the officers before allowing them to patrol campus. “I just wish we knew them better,” a student who wished to remain anonymous stated. “Like I would feel better about [officers patrolling campus] if we could meet them.”
Others students, such as senior Josue Coy Dick from Newton, just wanted information and clarification from the Bethel Administration. “I think the administration should be transparent and deliberate about its actions concerning police on campus.”
Peter Buller, from Inman, voiced concern that police presence on campus will only further harm student well-being. “Bethel College students are not violent criminals who need to be surveilled by the government,” Buller said. “If safety is a continuing concern, [the college] should increase our programs with people who know and understand the college. [The college should] invest in the community.” Despite differing opinions, many students are asking for one shared thing: communication from the administration about our campus security.
With many students confused and having mixed feelings or concerns about officers on campus, it is important to remember to keep information straight. While many students have confirmed seeing officers patrolling buildings after campus hours, there does not appear to be any confirmed information about undercover officers patrolling campus.
Further, it is important to remember that while the policing of campus facilities is a foreign concept to Bethel students, the updates in security are still in their infancy, and it will likely continue to change; if you have suggestions or recommendations, it is important to make those ideas known to the administration.
Through this advocacy for more uniform campus security, it is hoped that student input will help provide the best solutions to the concerns many have about their own safety on campus.