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Community Relations Initiatives

The goal of Community Oriented Policing is the formation of a partnership between the police department and the citizens of the community. The C.O.P.S. philosophy is designed to break down any barriers and apprehension that individuals may have of the police. Through the development of a police/community partnership and a pro-active team approach to problem-solving, crime prevention and enhanced police services will be implemented. Community Policing is embraced by the entire department from the top down.

If you have any questions concerning the C.O.P.S. Unit at Eastern, please contact the Police Department at 465-5310.

  • The Eastern Connecticut State University Bike Patrol Officers are highly motivated individuals who are dedicated to the Community Oriented Policing philosophy. Each officer receives specialized training that complies with the high standards of the International Police Mountain Bike Association, IPMBA, www.ipmba.org.

    IPMBA Certified Police Officers and Buildings and Grounds Officers are currently assigned to the Mountain Bike Unit. Bike Patrol Officers utilize state-of- the-art “TrekSLA” – Super Light Alpha frame, 24-speed mountain bikes equipped with lights, first aid kits and saddle bags for storage. The bikes allow officers to effectively patrol and rapidly respond to all areas of campus including places inaccessible by car. Additionally, the bikes are effective tools which allow officers the ability to foster and enhance our relationship with the University’s most valuable asset…our community.

  • Internships
    Students interested in a career in law enforcement are encouraged to apply for an internship at the University Police Department. This opportunity is restricted to students in their final years of school. This is a 3-credit program and can be arranged through the education department.
    The Police Department internship affords an opportunity to gain insight on the day-to-day activities of an active Police Department. Experiences will range from administrative duties to patrol assignments. Information on the program can be obtained by calling the Lieutenant of Operations at the Police Department, Ext. 55310.

    Student Safety Patrol
    As part of the ECSU Police Department’s commitment to the safety of our community, a Student Patrol program is available. Working in conjunction with Police Officers and the Shuttle Bus drivers, the Student Patrol employees escort individuals to and from any location on campus.

    Student Patrol Escort Service personnel are responsible for escorting students to and from locations on campus in a safe and pleasant manner. While escorting and between assignments, they will walk in an alert, observant manner to facilitate detection of unsafe and/or suspicious conditions. This would include anything that they would believe to be a threat to the safety of the University community. Student Patrol personnel are obligated to report any of these conditions to the University Police for corrective action/attention.

    Activities also include assigned building and/or parking lot security checks. Student Patrol may be assigned secondary security responsibilities, not including any enforcement action.

    Student Patrol personnel will be readily identifiable to the general public by wearing department issue ID and SP uniforms as designated by the Department and will respect the privacy/confidentiality of others.

    Employment
    The Law Enforcement Council (LEC), on behalf of the following police departments, will provide continuous entry level testing to interested candidates.

    Clinton, Colchester, Deep River, East Lyme, Groton City, Groton Long Point, Groton Town, Ledyard, Mansfield, Mashantucket, Mohegan, Montville, New London, Old Lyme, Old Saybrook, Plainfield, Putnam, Stonington, Waterford, Westbrook, and Willimantic.

    To apply, send a business sized, self addressed, stamped envelope to:
    The Law Enforcement Council
    401 W. Thames St., Unit 2401
    Norwich, CT 06360.

    Applicants will be scheduled and notified when and where the written
    examination will be given.

  • May 15 –Peace Officers Memorial Day

    On October 1, 1962, President John F. Kennedy proclaimed May 15 th of each year as Peace Officer’s Memorial Day. National Police Week commences on the Sunday of the week of May 15 and ends on the following Saturday to honor the men and women who, night and day, stand guard over our communities. On May 15th, the United States flag will be lowered to half staff. This is in honor of the federal, state, and municipal officers who have been killed or disabled in the line of duty.

    In tribute of the above, the Eastern Connecticut State University Police Department will place a wreath and black banner on the sign in front of our building. Our officers will also be wearing black bands over their badges in respect of their fallen comrades.

    To honor National Police Officers, the Police Department has created a display in the Library, between the Reference and Circulation Desks, directly across from the elevators on the 2nd level. The display exhibits information, items, and pictures concerning the National Police Memorial and a history of law enforcement. We’d like to encourage members of the Eastern community to stop by the Library to view the display during the month of May.

    The officers and staff of the Eastern Connecticut State University Police Department would like to thank the university community for your continued support and cooperation in providing a safe and secure environment for all.

    Chief Stephen Tavares
    and Officers of the Eastern Connecticut State University Police Department

    Library Police Display
     

  • ANNUAL C.O.P.S. OPEN REC NIGHT
    This event is usually held on the first Friday in December from 9:00 p.m. - 2:00 a.m. at the Sports Center.

    We would like to thank everyone that donates their time, efforts or contributed in any way to the success of the  Annual COPS Open Rec. Night. Contributions from student organizations and the support of many university departments make this such a successful event. We also have the support of many local businesses. On average over 800 attendees enjoy board games, crafts, a 3 on 3 basketball tournament, great music, door prizes and tons of food. Your continued support for this popular, well attended event is greatly appreciated.

    THANKS TO EVERYONE FOR MAKING THE 2019 OPEN REC NIGHT A HUGE SUCCESS!

    Annual COPS Open Rec Night

    Chief Jeffrey A. Garewski

    Director of Public Safety
    Eastern Connecticut State University

  • Personnel from the University Police Department are often requested to conduct various presentations to community members, both inside and outside the University environment. Topics include but are not limited to the following:

    • Binge drinking
    • Careers in law enforcement
    • Crime prevention
    • Drug and alcohol prevention
    • Fire safety
    • Personal safety issues
    • Rape prevention
    • Residence hall security
    • Seatbelt safety
    • Sexual assault
    • Sexual harassment
    • Substance abuse

    To request information on any of the above topics, or to make arrangements for a presentation, call the Chief of Police or Lieutenant of Operations at the Police Department, Ext. 55310.

  • The Eastern Police Department Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run on June 6, 2019.

    THIS YEARS TORCH RUN KICKED OFF FROM THE EASTERN POLICE LOT AT 8:00 A.M.

    Checks can be sent to the below address at any time and made payable to “Special Olympics of Connecticut.”

    University Police, 44 Charter Oak Road, Willimantic, CT 06226. Att. Special Olympics.

    Click here for more information on the Special Olympics.

    “POLICE AND COMMUNITY WORKING TOGETHER”

    Torch Run Bannerpolice-home-4.jpg