Madison College offers opportunities for students to learn, connect, and grow. Between classes, events, speeches and hypnosis acts, there’s a lot going at the Truax campus. But behind the scenes, it’s the Public Safety department that keeps things safe and running smoothly.
“Public Safety is students’ main contact for anything that happens on campus”, says Director of Public Safety, James Bottoni. Public Safety responds to over 500 calls every month and handles issues from locked doors and thefts to disruptive students, and medical situations.
All of the Public Safety officers hold certifications in CPR, AED, First Aid. The department fields 50-75 calls a month related to medical situations. Officers have been called upon to deal with fainting students, amputated fingers, distressed pregnant women and more.
Some situations require additional assistance from police and health professionals. In the event an imminent emergency, like experiencing or witnessing a heart attack or if someone has a deadly weapon, the first call should be to 911. Notifying public safety is the next step.
The full-time certified officers employed by the college have many of the same powers of a regular police department, but may handle situations in a different way. Because the Public Safety officers are not sworn by the state of Wisconsin, they cannot make arrests like a regular police officer. However, if there is a situation requiring it, Madison College officer can detain and handcuff perpetrators until the authorities arrive.
Madison College officers are not currently armed, but they do carry protection for students benefit. Each full-time officer is equipped and trained with an extendable baton, handcuffs, and pepper spray.
It’s not usually students causing problems, said Bottoni. Most of the arrests and larger problems that Public Safety deals with on campus do not come from students, but rather non-students within the building or on the grounds.
Public Safety is currently seeking approval to arm trained and certified officers with Tasers. All of the officers on staff are trained to use these, and the college has several Tasers ready for action. These non-lethal electric shock weapons bring stopping power, without the risks of a firearm.
A fleeing theft, crazed and knife-wielding crackhead, and other dangerous types can be incapacitated with shock, from a safe distance, rather than being brought down with bodily force, (with great risk to the officer) or a gun (with great risk on the criminal) A Taser is not designed to be fatal, and usually is not, though there are instances of death.
Another improvement to the Public Safety will be the implementation of bodycams. These on-person camera would allow officers to record incidents by flipping a switch.
These help student safety by accurately recording interactions, keeping officers and students accountable. These cameras however, are prohibitively expensive at the moment, though on the wish list.
There will be a board meeting on Dec. 11 discussing the arming of Public Safety officers.
Stay Safe on Campus
1) Don’t leave your stuff unattended. Colleges are huge targets for theft. Heavy backpacks with potentially thousands of dollars of a equipment and books can be picked up and out of the building in minutes if left unattended. If you like your stuff, keep it close.
2) If you see something, say something. Public Safety’s main purpose is to help students. If
something doesn’t seem right, let an officer know, even if you’re not sure it’s a big deal.
3) Be alert and use caution. Night classes end after dark, and if you’re feeling eerie about walking to the back lots, get an escort.
4) Leave weapons, drugs, and angst at home. Weapons and drugs are not allowed at school, bringing them invites trouble onto you. A good way to get patted down for drugs and weapons is to get into a fight, so put down the fisti-cuffs and pick up a pencil.