Police address student concerns at open forum
By Michael Moeschler
Last Thursday, the Current University Issues Committee hosted a meet and greet with the Santa Clara Police Department . The intimate, roundtable discussions provided a forum where officers addressed concerns from the university community.
Officer Jake Malae said the meet and greet highlighted one of the most important aspects of creating a positive relationship between the police and students. "Fostering an open dialogue is the first step to building a strong community with students and officers," said Malae.
Most of the issues raised by students focused on the implementation of SCPD's Team 200. Consisting of supplemental reserve officers, Team 200 enforces a zero tolerance policy on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights around the university area.
In the past, Team 200's presence dissolved after October and returned late in spring quarter, but has been kept in place every week. "Due to the complaints of neighbors, this is the only year we've continually done it weekend to weekend," said Malae.
The meet and greet also gave the officers a chance to address rumors that the SCPD targets university students.
"There's two sides to every story, and I think some students need to remember that when they hear something about us," said Officer Lloyd Filo.
Police involvement with students is strictly limited to instances when it's obvious someone can't care for themselves, according to Filo. "It's a liability issue for us. If we see someone passed out in the bushes, or stumbling all over themselves, we're going to take them in."
Malae and Filo also commented on last week's letter to the editor in which a student criticized the behavior of off-duty Santa Clara Police Officers.
"I'm sorry this person didn't take the time to know us as people," said Malae. "This letter formulates opinions. I hope most students understand we're here for them."
While Nicki Ford, coordinator for the meet and greet, called the event a success, some students felt the absence of Team 200 representatives hindered the overall effectiveness of the forum. "I don't think them (the beat officers) coming here accomplished that much," said freshman Mike Harvey. "We have a problem with Team 200. I want to see them," Mike Harvey."
Hosted in Sobrato Hall, the hour-long event resumed waning efforts between university students and the SCPD to foster an amicable relationship. Although the officers believed the evetn helped bridge tension between officers and students. Malae and Filo expressed their disappointment at the small number of students who participated. They hoped that those who didn't attend realize that the SCPD is here to help the students.
"We're going to continue to work for the students," said Filo. "You guys just have to trust us."