UPD deserves praise, not apprehension
Our university has an amazing department that’s here to protect us.
UPD officers keep us safe, and oftentimes are lenient regarding ticket writing, in accordance with USD’s policy.
UPD sergeant Andrew Paulsen was featured in a recent Volante story. It’s nice to have a UPD sergeant who likes the same “holiday” that we do –Dakota Days. While many students tend to see UPD as the ‘bad guys,’ sergeant Paulsen, as well as the rest of UPD, are just doing their jobs.
UPD’s ultimate goal is safety, not getting students in trouble.
Sure, there can be some unfortunate parking tickets and the occasional minor in possession citation, but those things that warrant a ticket. If you aren’t doing anything to get into trouble, you won’t get in trouble. It’s that simple.
When some students see UPD on campus, they become uneasy, and a little scared, even if they have nothing to be scared of. This shouldn’t be the case.
If you haven’t done anything wrong, don’t act like you have. Instead, students should say hello and give officers a smile. Their job is difficult enough as it is – let’s not add to it by being hostile or wary. In fact, let’s be friendly to other faculty members on campus, too. Without their hard work, USD wouldn’t be the same.
UPD officers are here to protect us. Their goal is not to stifle student fun.
When we have people like sergeant Paulsen who are passionate about their jobs and about USD students, we have a better atmosphere on campus.
UPD’s primary mission is to keep USD’s campus safe. They enjoy interacting with students, even if students don’t always enjoy interacting with them.
If these officers didn’t like college students, they could very well go and work for the Vermillion Police Department or another station. Instead they work on a college campus, because they want to be here.
If they do issue citations, it’s because they want to help students, not hurt them.
UPD is always around to help, with at least two officers on duty at all times. They also have a safety feature on campus – if it’s late and you don’t feel comfortable walking back to your dorm, they’ll walk with you.
Students should be more appreciative of the hard work they put in day after day, Friday night after Friday night.
If anything happens and you need UPD’s assistance, be kind. They’re here to help you and make sure everything is okay. When you see an officer, don’t be alarmed or afraid, instead be compliant. If you are given directions or asked questions, follow and answer them.
We, as students of a great university, are lucky to have UPD with us.
So thank you, UPD. We respect you and all that you do for us.
