News from Chadron State College

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Police Officer to Have Quarters on CSC Campus

The measure is expected to improve CSC's security efforts.

CHADRON, NE (08/19/2008; 1138)(readMedia)-- In an effort to improve Chadron State College's security and safety, a full-time officer of the Chadron Police Department will have an office in CSC's Kent Residence Hall during the upcoming year. The measure received unanimous approval from the Chadron City Council on Monday.

Officials from both the city and the college see many benefits from the hiring of the college resource officer, or CRO. In the past, CSC has contracted various officers from the police department to complement CSC's security personnel. The new arrangement, they say, will provide more continuity.

The CRO's primary hours will be afternoon through early mornings from Thursdays through Mondays. The person will work closely with Dave Lehman, CSC security supervisor, and his staff of student officers.

"One of the goals is to have a PD presence on campus and having that person get to know the student population," said Dr. Randy Rhine, CSC vice president for enrollment and student services.

Rhine used the example of last October when CSC officials locked down the campus in an effort to keep students safe and help law enforcement officials track down three armed fugitives from out-of-state who were on the loose in the city.

"This would have given us an additional resource in responding to that incident," he said. "As we work to make this a more secure place, I think this is a logical thing for us to do."

Although the officer will officially be an employee of the City of Chadron, the college will pay for 11 months of the officer's salary. Chadron Police Chief Tim Lordino said the CRO will be called away from campus only in rare emergencies, and will be available to the college during the month that is paid for by the city.

"The primary responsibility of this officer is going to be the campus," Lordino said. "They're not just going to be driving through the campus then leaving to run radar on Third Street."

Dale Grant, CSC vice president for finance and administration, said the arrangement will help forge a stronger relationship between the City of Chadron and CSC.

"It's something we can work together on that is beneficial for both of us," he said.

The arrangement is similar to one that the police department has had with Chadron Public Schools. Lordino said the implementation of a school resource officer there has helped both the school system and the police. The two officers who have served in that position were approachable by the students and gained valuable insight and knowledge for countering incidents both on and off the school grounds.

"You've gotta give a lot of compliments to Chadron State College," Lordino said. "They've done a great job with their security here. With the things that have happened on college campuses across the U.S., as a parent, I believe this should serve as a signal that CSC has taken its security very seriously and is taking the safety of its students to a higher level."

Candidates for the CRO position were interviewed Monday and Lordino expects to make a hire soon.

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