At Waynesburg University, the Public Safety Department keeps the campus safe on a day to day basis. Many students know the names of the officers and converse with them regularly.

However, what students may not realize is the many other responsibilities that public safety officers have in keeping the university running normally.

James Tanda, director of security operations and emergency management knows there are a lot of things happening behind the scenes that students do not realize when it comes to the public safety department.

“A lot of people think that public safety or security is all about physical security, which is a big part of it,” said Tanda, “Access, controls, lighting, locking, and things like this are an important part of any security program. But there’s more to keeping a campus community safe and secure.”

Tanda said that since a new public safety officer, Steve Cooper, was recently hired, now is a good time to recognize everyone in the department and all the things they do to keep the campus safe.

“They are here for us 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, and as we bring on [Cooper] to the Public Safety office, it’s a good time to recognize the whole group.” Tanda said.

Tanda believes Cooper will be a valuable asset to the public safety department on campus.

“Steve Cooper was hired  Jan. 22 and comes to Waynesburg as a veteran law enforcement officer with over 30 years of policing, security and law enforcement experience in Western Pennsylvania,” said Tanda. “As a former police chief, Steve Cooper is a tremendous addition to our public safety department and will be a particularly valuable asset as he now joins us as an armed security officer. This will add an additional valuable security function and first response capabilities to our overall protection plan here on campus,”

Tanda spoke to Cooper’s personable style and good interpersonal skills and how he will fit in with the other officers.

“[Cooper] is a fantastic person and a great ambassador for security and law enforcement,” Tanda said. “He is kind of built the same way as many in law enforcement and our own security; very personable but also professional and responsible. Even though he has all sorts of expertise when it comes to law enforcement, you’ll find that Steve is personable, interactive, engaging, and caring, just like the other officers that are here in Public Safety.”

According to Tanda, officers are responsible for the security of campus buildings, as well as the safety of all students, faculty and staff.

“What most students and many faculty and staff may not realize is that our public safety officers perform a lot of other duties and responsibilities behind the scenes,” Tanda said. “In addition to assisting with maintenance, facilities–even housekeeping if requested—they avail themselves to everyone on campus: from providing student escorts across campus to their housing late at night or after hours to assisting faculty with locked cars, parking requests, etc.”

Tanda said that security is also present at Waynesburg University sporting events and other special events and activities, but keeps a low profile.

“They are not often overtly visible but they provide that extra layer of protection and security behind the scenes.” Tanda said. “They also respond to certain incidents on campus that allow them to interact with the local
police department or other first responders. They are the first line of defense to determine whether the local police or the state police should be called. They also capture and record statistics on any crimes or similar incidents on campus. They also conduct training as required.”

For Tanda, communication with students is among the most important factors for a public safety officer.

“I believe that’s one of their most important attributes on campus. Their strength is their ability to relate to, listen, and communicate with students, understand their problems, whether it’s a dorm or dining hall issue or sporting event, and be the eyes and ears of the university to local law enforcement. I have every reason to believe that Steve, with all of his
experience, will be same way and integrate well into our campus community.”

Tanda wants students and faculty alike to know that their safety and security continues to increase under the protection of Waynesburg’s Public Safety Department.

“Nothing will significantly change from a day to day view of campus security but everyone should know that we are just a little more safe today than we were yesterday,” said Tanda. “And with the changing times in our society and on college campuses everywhere we will continue to be safe, secure, and better prepared for any critical incident that may occur on our campus.”