MUNCIE, Ind. — Safety on Ball State’s Campus is not just responding to emergencies. University police go beyond fast response times by providing support services, as well as prevention and tracking of crime trends, to help keep students safe throughout the year.
The department monitors crime statistics from previous years to identify patterns and adjust safety strategies. Reviewing past reports helps the department determine where to increase patrols, improve lighting, or offer additional surveillance to prevent incidents before they occur.
“When we track those crimes, we see trends, problem areas, certain times of day, it allows us to be able to allocate our resources to those areas,” said Matt Gaither, Ball State University police captain.
Offering multiple ways for students to reach out, including confidential reporting through the Silent Witness System. They also work with the Office of Victim Services, making sure victims are comfortable and their voices are being heard. These options allow students to come forward with concerns while feeling supported.
In addition to reporting options, police work with other campus offices to provide services designed to help students in everyday situations. The Motorist Assistance Program offers free help for vehicle issues on campus. While the Office of Student Conduct works with university police to better inform students about safety and responsibility.
The department also builds trust with the campus community. With events like lunch with a cop, the Citizen Police Academy, bike registration and free self-defense classes. This gives students and the community a chance to meet officers and learn more about why the university police handles situations the way they do. The University Police Department holds up to many standards that other departments do not meet.
“We have our officers in hundreds of hours of training a year, that isn’t required. Our officers are currently on the best training and practices. We are a fully accredited police department,” Captain Gatiher said.
These programs and the level of education help students feel comfortable reaching out about sensitive topics. Whether students need assistance, to report a concern or simply have questions about safety on campus.
“We want to make sure that they have that comfort level of reporting what they need to report, asking the questions they need to ask, and getting the answers and resolutions that they need to make them feel like they are comfortable knowing we are taking care of the problem,” Captain Gaither stated.
Staying informed about available resources and understanding how the department works can help students and the community feel more confident as they go about their daily routines. Anyone who needs help or wants to report a concern is encouraged to contact university police or use the support services. Reach the Ball State Police Department directly at 765-285-1111.
Contact Rayanna Goble with comments at rayanna.goble@bsu.edu.
