UMass Amherst implements a mess of services to confirm safety on and off field for all students. On campus residence halls are constantly monitored and secured every night of the week. There are cadets stationed at the entrances that monitor the area while students are signed into the building. Anyone who does not live in that specific building has to be signed in by a friend with legitimate identification to ensure the safety of everyone in that residence hall. In addition, there are about 350 security cameras constantly monitoring every residence hall and the doors are always locked. The only way to enter is with a student ID registered to that specific building.
There is a “HELP” phone system on campus. This is a network of approximately 110 emergency “HELP” phones scattered about campus that are available for people to use if they feel they are in danger or in an uncomfortable situation. These phones are easily recognizable by their bright blue light and have an emergency button that anyone can press which will automatically connect them to the UMass Police Department. This will alert the police to the users exact position and they can send appropriate assistance. UMass Amherst also provides alerts via students school e-mail, (or text messages to their phones if they so choose.). These alerts create awareness of any suspicious or criminal behavior occurring on or around campus. It creates an environment where students are always conscious of their surroundings and know exactly what is going on.
The UMass Amherst police department operates 24/7 and is accessible by dialing 911 or (413) 545-3111. Their duty is to serve by providing a safe environment in which to live, learn and grow. The UMass police force works to prevent and respond to criminal activity and emergencies. They also have an additional responsibility of maintaining a safe campus where education can thrive and students, staff, and faculty can feel safe. To combat crime and ensure public tranquility the University of Massachusetts Amherst Police Department is a visible part of campus life. To ensure commuter safety the UMass Police Department employs a safety and escort service that offers a safe escort across campus every night. UMPD is organized, trained, and equipped to provide progressive law enforcement and emergency services to our community. The UMPD has several specialized units that make up the department including the bicycle, K-9, motorcycle, and mounted horseback units as well as foot and vehicle patrol.
The Police Cadet program has been a part of the UMPD since 2000. It is viewed as a successful program by the department and the UMass communities since the cadets are an important part of the police department. Their presence can be seen mostly in the residential areas, where the cadets work very closely with police officers and Residence Hall Security.
Cadets take part in two week "boot-camp" style training in preparation for the position. The training consists of police techniques, performing foot patrols, parking enforcement, prisoner watch, and other functions to free officers. The cadets operate as the eyes and the ears of the police department as they can see and hear what the officers cannot, preventing problems and their escalation.
In the past there have been several occurrences of large non-school sponsored gatherings, labeled riots, where UMass officials have been called in. After the Red Sox won the World Series in 2013, an estimated 3,000 students gathered in the outdoor space around the South West Residence Hall. In response to the situation UMass police officials were called in. Police accounts state that some students participated in disruptive behavior, knocking over trash bins, and climbing trees. Rubber bullets and tear gas were dispersed into the crowds. According to WGGB 14 people were arrested for failing to disperse, and 1 for disorderly conduct. Whether or not the use of police force was necessary is still a controversial topic between students, the administration and the UMass and Amherst Police Department.
A similar situation had occurred after the Patriots lost the Super Bowl in 2012. Officials donning riot gear used smoke grenades to disperse the crowds. Luckily there were no injuries. Riots like these are not unheard of within the UMass community and go as far back as 1986. The majority of the events are categorized as seemingly peaceful by many students, stating that they consist mainly of students standing around, chanting and singing. There is also still debate among UMass students as to whether or not the term “riot” applies to a lot of the occurrences since they seldom involve violence or aggressive behavior from the vast majority of students present. Nevertheless, each event is met with police interference due to a fear of the unsafe environments that large unattended crowds could create. In the past there has been friction between members of the student body and the UMass Police Department around their methods of crowd control; students have been displeased with what they see as unnecessary force.
According to Mass Live other riots include one in 2007 after the Boston Red Sox lost in the 2008 playoffs, another when they lost in the World Series run in 2006, one after UMass’ football team lost in the Division I-AA football championship in 2006, one after the Red Sox World Series victory in 2004, another after the Red Sox lost during the 2003 playoffs, one after the Patriots first Super Bowl victory over St. Louis in 2001 and another in 1986 after the Red Sox World Series loss. The majority of these riots have been non-violent on the side of the students, except for the 1986 riot in which an argument between hundreds of students intensified into racial altercations where a black student was attacked by 15-20 white students and beaten unconscious according to archives from The Republican. Videos and visual accounts of most of these events can be found online. In the wake of these events students have worked and are continuously working to start open dialogues with the administration and police department about campus safety, the right to gather, police force and better methods of crowd control.
The Boston Globe reported on the death of a student only called Logan, who overdosed on heroin while working as a confidential informant for the UMass police department. After UMass police arrested Logan for selling LSD, he was offered the opportunity to work as a confidential informant in exchange for his freedom. UMass police did not suspect he was using drugs like heroin. Soon after the incident, Chancellor Kimble Subbaswammy suspended the use of the program and required UMass Police to report to the Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs and Campus Life instead of the Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance.
No comments:
Post a Comment