When I was a freshman at CSU, I had an allergic reaction to an antibiotic that caused me to have to be rushed to the hospital at 3 am. Before the EMT’s ever arrived, a CSUPD officer was already on the scene making sure that ambulance could get in and ensuring that I wasn’t alone while waiting for it to arrive. Since then, I have only had positive interactions with the on-campus officers and truly believe that we are fortunate to have a great department here at CSU.
I recently had the opportunity to sit down and talk with Chief Scott Harris about the department and their involvement on campus. Chief Harris has been with CSUPD since August 2008 and was made chief in August of 2013.
Before coming to CSU, Chief Harris worked as an officer and retired as a commander in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He explained the biggest difference he observed between the two jobs, is the role community plays in what he does. They work hand in hand with the various departments and play a crucial role with Canvas Stadium and game day events. The partnership they have with the athletic department and other local sheriff’s departments is what makes those days a success. Which was obvious as earlier this year CSU’s stadium was nationally recognized for excellence in safety at Canvas Stadium.
The department works hard to ensure safety at all events. Just this last month they put in countless hours to ensure the safety of everyone and the surrounding neighborhoods that were near the Turning Point USA event being put on. “We are grateful to our staff, CSU police and partner agency police officers from Fort Collins, Windsor and Larimer County for ensuring a safe environment,” Harris stated, “we also are grateful to those event attendees and protestors who respected the University’s policies on free speech and peaceful assembly.”
Harris explained that the university as whole really makes his job easy, “I’ve never been somewhere with this level of energy.” Stating that the students and faculty have a great passion for what they’re doing here. He experienced it firsthand when he taught a class on campus in sociology and was able to interact with groups of students in a way that is not typical of a police department.
“Working with the talented people in the department is my favorite part of this job,” he explained. There are 37 officers in his department, who all view themselves as a resource for staff and students on campus and make themselves available to assist in any way possible.
Building relationships with students and staff on campus is a key part of the department’s role, and something he very much enjoys. He and his officers truly strive to keep campus safe for all and in that way, help ensure the success of the students.
They strive to provide a reassuring presence and familiar face on campus. It is comforting to know that here at CSU, we are in good hands.
