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University of Findlay Safety strives to combat false code blues, potential school shootings, and a deficiency in manpower
By Lydia Schafer, schaferl@findlay.edu
With hundreds of cameras and dozens of emergency poles in place, the University of Findlay Campus Security, says it tries to bring in-depth awareness of campus and community activity to its service.
Findlay Campus security stays up to date on crimes in the area, monitors campus, maintains camera equipment, responds to emergency blue light calls, and assists in minor vehicle malfunctions.
Steve Baum, Captain of Campus Police and Safety is responsible for overseeing the operations of the security officers, providing staff training, evaluating performance, and submitting reports.
One of the most pressing concerns when it comes to safety on school property is the possibility of a school shooting. According to Baum, the most common occurrence of this nature is swatting, or false calls that threaten a school with a shooting.
“It’s on my mind every day I come to work,” Baum said. “We haven’t had any directed to the campus, but the Findlay Junior High School had one [swatting incident] last week.”
According to the UF’s website page “Security on Campus,” the security office is required to enforce the “laws of the City of Findlay and State of Ohio.” In addition, the city police are supposed to notify the University of any safety concerns in the area, according to Baum.
Another issue for the security team has been individuals pushing the emergency blue call poles around campus without a true emergency. This includes Door Dash drivers, kids who come for programs at the school, and high schoolers from around the area. In the summer, the children who come for programs will walk through the campus and decide to push the buttons for fun.
“Our biggest problem used to be during the summer. We just try to contact them, advise them that it’s only for emergency purposes,” Baum said about the program leaders. “If someone were to hit those buttons, we treat it like a 911 call. We can be there in a minute or two.”
In addition, resident assistants also take routine rounds during their duties at night.
Shari Hellman, Director of Housing and Residence Life, is responsible for overseeing the resident assistants.
“Residence Life staff at UF has been doing outside rounds for decades and I expect that will continue,” Hellman said in an email interview.
While the resident assistants provide an extra set of eyes, security would be called if the RAs encountered an issue they didn’t have the jurisdiction to handle.
“The biggest thing is manpower,” Baum said. “Just being able to hire more officers, not only security, but also police.” Baum would like at least four officers on duty at a time. Right now, it is common to only have two officers.
According to Baum, there are around 800 cameras and 50 emergency poles on University of Findlay property.
“We try to add cameras every year and we are constantly looking for blind spots,” Baum said. Blind spots can include physical obstructions and overgrown trees.
According to UF’s website, campus security services include escorts, locking/unlocking doors, vehicle jumpstarts, vehicle tire inflation, bicycle theft programs, welfare checks, and a response to all emergency situations.
