Terraka Garner
Staff Writer
The Pocatello Police Department and Idaho State University’s Public Safety have reportedly been working together on patching up some points of friction from the past. Overlapping jurisdiction has been a point of contention between the two divisions that flared up in recent months.
“Last fall there were some misunderstandings on procedures and who was responsible for what,” said ISU’s Associate Vice President for Facilities Services Phil Moessner. “We have continued to work with the Pocatello Police Department and all of the law enforcement agencies to make sure that everybody is on the same page and that everybody understands each other’s procedures and where those responsibilities lie. Overall, things are good.”
The Pocatello Police Department is responsible for patrolling the city of Pocatello, including the city streets that run through campus, whereas Public Safety focuses primarily on ensuring the safety of anyone on campus.
“We’re two independent agencies,” said Moessner. “Public Safety is responsible for ensuring the safety and security of campus and ISU buildings, and ensuring that the campus is safe for students, faculty and visitors. Pocatello Police is responsible for law enforcement activities which, in their jurisdiction, includes the campus area as well.”
Public Safety officers reportedly handle violations that relate to university policy issues. These officers deal with issues including, but not limited to, handling calls from concerned citizens on campus regarding a disturbance or an uncertainty, students smoking on campus and parking violations.
“Anything up to the point where it’s clear that there has been a legal violation of a state or city law, then it’s a [Public Safety] issue,” said Moessner. “Once it’s clear that it’s a legal infraction, then it becomes an issue where our department calls the local law enforcement agency and they come out and take care of business.”
Pocatello Police Department Lt. Ian Nelson said that according to recent statistics, there has been no increase in the amount of Pocatello Police officers appearing on campus. He noted that there has actually been less Pocatello Police appearance but that Pocatello Police officers do frequently pull vehicles over on city streets for traffic violations.
“Officers don’t turn a blind eye to traffic violations because we want the person to be aware of what they did wrong,” said Nelson. “Our officers have an obligation to protect the pedestrians that are crossing the street and getting cars to slow down. [ISU] is so congested with foot traffic. We have concerns about people not seeing pedestrians or vice versa.”
There was previously discussion and reporting conducted in reference to a name change for Public Safety. This proposal was to change the name of what is currently and commonly known as Public Safety to the title Campus Security.
The name has not yet been changed.
“There was discussion about possibly changing the name but at this time that has not been finalized and so we are still Public Safety,” said Moessner.
There is a clear distinction between the Public Safety officers and Pocatello Police officer badges, even though their patrol uniforms are reportedly very similar.
Moessner said that officers from both departments are there to help, not to intimidate.
“We have a college community so we always get to talk to people and to educate people,” said Nelson.
