Campus safety
Student officers make a difference
Archived article from Dec 14, 2001
By Pam Orel
University College student Monique Clemmings was one of the first community service officers hired by the Rutgers division of public safety a year ago. For her and for the university, it's been a rewarding experience as she works to provide a safe and secure environment for Rutgers students. "Even when you aren't working, people know to talk to you if there is a security problem," she noted.
The community service officer program includes about 150 trained, uniformed students who collectively contribute an average of 200 labor hours each day to maintaining security, doing everything from directing traffic to securing crime scenes to helping with administrative reports. Recruits must pass 40 hours of training in first aid, fire safety, patrol techniques, police administration and traffic safety.
Receptions are held twice a year for those who complete the training; the latest took place Dec. 4.
"These students are among the department's best resources," said Lt. Joyce Sagi, commander of the group. "They bring a student's perspective to public safety, whether it's working with residents or giving crime-prevention talks to student groups."
Cook College senior Bjoern Kils' first assignment was to work with contractors on residential sprinkler system installations. He said residents had mixed feelings -- they supported the improvements but worried about noise and inconvenience. His job was to balance those needs on a day-to-day basis. "I was the only liaison between the contractors and the students in the building," said Kils.
He has also worked the gates at athletic events. In the wake of September's terrorist attacks, more community service officers have been assigned to security details at Rutgers' public gatherings.
"It is a lot of responsibility, and you have to be able to deal with everyone, from professors to students," Kils said.
Christine Rozycki served for one year before graduating in May. She now works for Parking and Transportation Services, driving a van that transports students with disabilities. She looks back fondly on her service with the group.
"When I started, I wanted to be able to have it on my resume, but I also met many really wonderful people," Rozycki said.
Eric DeTurk, a junior at Livingston College and an Air Force ROTC cadet, agreed. "When I first started, I worked with the same people all the time. We got to be good friends. The unit has grown, but it still includes lots of close friends."
"These students gain work experience and earn money, but it's also very attractive as a job because there is so much camaraderie among the students," said Sagi. "The essence of this group is their motto, 'Students serving students.' For the officers, and for Rutgers, it's a win-win situation."
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