The Petty Side of Policing: Stories from a University Officer

It is often the mundane and seemingly trivial actions that catch a police officer’s eye. These small infractions, though minor, play a significant role in the day-to-day operations of a university police force. Here, we explore the countless instances of what could be termed 'petty arrests' by a seasoned university police officer.

Trivialities that Brought About Big Consequences

One notable incident involved a student attempting to purchase cigarettes using a fake twenty-dollar bill. It was later discovered that he was unaware of the bill's authenticity, yet the consequences were severe. The stipulation of holding the individual down for 8 minutes and 46 seconds led to a tragic outcome, with the individual calling out for his mother before succumbing unexpectedly.

Enforcing Administrative Laws with Vigor

During my thirty-year tenure as a university police officer, the majority of our efforts were not directed towards violent felonies but rather to enforcing administrative laws. This included a wide array of actions that might seem trivial but hold significant importance for the university and its students. Let's delve into some of these everyday scenarios.

Selling Food Without a Permit

A common administrative oversight for many vendors is selling food products without the necessary permits. The university was particularly vigilant in this area, as it was paranoid about the potential for someone to intentionally poison the students. To mitigate this risk, local ice cream vendors were routinely warned to leave the university premises or face severe consequences.

Recycling Rules and Regulation

Recycling bins presented another orthogonal challenge. While it was perfectly acceptable for people to sort recyclables from garbage bins, removing recyclables from the designated bins was strictly prohibited. Compliance with federal laws required the university to maintain a recycling program. A contract with a recycling company ensured the program's sustainability, provided the revenue from recycled materials covered the collection cost. Failure to adhere to these rules led to warnings, and repeated offenses resulted in formal citations.

Selling and Permits

Another area of enforcement involved selling goods on campus. The university regarded it as a responsibility to protect its students from self-harm, hence all sales on campus required a permit. Unauthorized sales, such as bootleg t-shirts, led to citations if they took place on campus boundaries but not on city streets.

Trivial but Damaging: Skateboarding Enforcement

Lastly, the story of skateboarding on campus cannot be overlooked. While the idea of policing skateboarding might seem quaint, it was a necessary task due to the concrete damage caused by skateboarders. This enforced regulation was a result of university demands, though the officer admitted to not personally enjoying the task. It was a cost incurred by the university to maintain the integrity and longevity of the school's infrastructure.

In conclusion, these actions might seem mundane, but they are a vital part of maintaining order and ensuring the smooth functioning of a university environment. Whether it's enforcing trivial laws or addressing more pressing concerns, the day-to-day interactions of a university police officer provide a unique insight into the complexities of law enforcement.