The Department of Public Safety (DPS) has recently been hit with rumors of staff shortages, criticized by students for their patrol behaviors and overall campus effectiveness.
According to the Coastal Carolina University (CCU) website, DPS consists of multiple departments that ensure the safety of all campus residents, staff and students, which includes uniformed patrol officers.
Chief and Director of Public Safety Robert Pellerin explained the inner workings of DPS and addressed rumors surrounding staff member numbers. DPS had one officer retire this year and several others take leave due to sickness or injury. Despite the circumstances, he does not believe safety has been compromised.
“I know we have a lot of qualified officers that care about the safety on this campus,” Pellerin said. “The people that work for public safety really care about being around, being present and ensuring the safety of everybody on this campus.”
Some students who live on campus expressed their opinions towards DPS and their patrolling habits. Nyla McKay, a sophomore criminal justice major, said she has seen a sparse number of patrolling officers around campus and University housing.
“I think I’ve seen three my entire time, ever, really living there,” McKay said.
Pellerin addressed the way officers patrol the residential communities and how often their presence is necessary. They divide the time spent between University Place and the campus residence halls as equally as they can.
“There’s no given amount of time that we spend in any one location, it all depends on what’s going on a certain day,” Pellerin said.
However, the presence of DPS officers still may differ between housing communities. Senior intelligence and national security major Isabella Rivera reported seeing an abundance of officers around The Woods residence hall where she lives.
Rivera said officers are often seen around the parking lot outside her dorm issuing parking citations and other parking-related issues. However, she thinks they could improve the amount of time they spend focusing on safety-related matters.
“I think DPS does a decent job,” Rivera said, “One thing they could improve on, I think would be implementing safety around campus, like talking to students and stuff like that.”
Taking into consideration the new University growth, and the growth of surrounding areas in Conway, Pellerin said he’s confident in the ability of his officers to maintain safety on campus with the current number of staff.
“If you’re concerned with public safety, I urge you to come speak with me or any of our officers and talk through some things, everybody is willing to talk to you,” Pellerin said. “We’re here to create a safe environment so you can be successful in your educational career and your opportunities.”
