Unlike other police departments, Meramec officers do not have quotas to meet. However, they belong to a Missouri patrol agency because STLCC Meramec is a state school. For this reason, Meramec’s security team can and are able to provide the same authority as any other municipality or state agency in Missouri.
By: Shane Rice
Assistant News Editor
It is a dark and frightening night; the clouds block out light from the moon and the thought of walking alone is not appealing. Whether it is the threat of a domestic partner or a fellow student, STLCC-Meramec Campus Security may be the answer.
“It’s our goal to provide a safe and secure environment that’s conducive to students’ education,” said Meramec Chief of Security Paul Banta.
Banta has maintained his position since 2007 and with several other officers, there is a 24-hour watch on campus property. “We are a police department, we have all the same rights and authority as any other officer you come across,” said Banta.
All officers at Meramec are state certified. According to Banta, there are three patrolling officers on days and evenings, one on weekends and one patrolling after midnight. Banta said, “There is always someone available and/or patrolling the campus 24/7.”
Unlike other police departments, Meramec officers do not have quotas to meet. However, they belong to a Missouri patrol agency because STLCC Meramec is a state school. For this reason, Meramec’s security team can and are able to provide the same authority as any other municipality or state agency in Missouri.
According to Banta, there are several areas with which students should make themselves familiar, includingemergency blue boxes located throughout the Meramec campus.
“These boxes are designed for students, faculty and staff to use in the event of any kind of disturbance such as domestic disputes, theft or as simply helping people access keys locked in one’s vehicle,” said Banta.
Blue boxes are linked directly to the police dispatcher on campus and will allow officers to respond quickly. “There are about 12 boxes located within the campus,” said Banta.
Along with the emergency boxes Meramec security also has strategically placed video cameras around campus. “We can monitor all parking lots at any time and are looking into adding interior cameras for public gathering areas on campus like the cafeteria or book store,” said Banta.
Banta said it’s not the job of campus officers to invade anyone’s privacy, nor do they intend to. “We just want to insure safety among all personnel on campus and for our students,” Banta said.
Officers on campus also assure safety by providing an escort service that allows officers to walk students and faculty to either their vehicles or building locations in the event one questions their safety.
“All in all, we just want to secure that students are getting their needs met in a safe environment,” said Banta.
Alert System
An outdoor public address system will warn of any outside hazards, such as violent weather or public dangers on campus.
For example, anything that could put one’s life in jeopardy. This system will allow people to either seek refuge or return home in the rare event something dangerous would happen.
Parking Tickets
Officers can write parking tickets for such things as fire lane violations or parking in spots designated for staff and visitors. If need be, they may have vehicles towed.
No Smoking
Officers can write citations for smoking on undesginated areas, but these do not hold a fine.
However, students could go through a student discipline procedure for those that don’t comply or have multiple offenses.
