By CARISMA JANO and JORDAN BURGMEIER
Creighton Digital Storytellers

Student safety and campus security are only some of the goals that public safety officers at Creighton University work toward. From routine desk checks at residence halls to responding to student emergencies, connecting with the Creighton community has been an overall goal for the Department of Public Safety department. 

Public Safety employs a total of 21 officers and about nine staff members. It operates on a 24-hour basis, responding to emergencies and consistently patrolling the campus. The department provides help for students in nonemergency situations such as needing transportation or an officer to walk with them to their dorm room. 

While the campus is fairly safe and quiet, students still need to be aware of their surroundings, said Tim Herron, community outreach officer. Herron, a former professional wrestler, has worked with public safety for more than nine years. 

According to Herron, the most common incidents on campus are parking issues, minor car accidents and petty theft. Students often leave personal belongings unattended or dorm rooms unlocked.

According to the university’s 2019 Fall Annual Security and Fire Safety Report, six burglaries, one robbery, and five motor vehicle theft incidents were reported in 2018. A total of 12 sex offense incidents were also reported in the same year. 

“It’s not 100% safe here. There’s always something that could happen,” said Herron. 

As the Community Outreach Officer, Herron has led many programs on campus aimed at crime prevention and student safety. Herron teaches self-defense classes open to faculty and students. He also recently initiated the Public Safety Liaison Officer program where an officer is assigned to a specific residence hall and works closely with the resident director to plan events for students. 

The goal of the program is to get officers more acquainted and connected with the students, said Herron. 

For some students, public safety officers can be either intimidating or notorious for writing up parking tickets. 

“We’re not out to get them. There are times where I try to see situations through the student’s eyes. We were students at one point too,” said Justin Coy, a daytime shift officer. 

Public safety also works closely with the Omaha Police Department in situations concerning non-Creighton affiliated individuals. They work hand-in-hand regarding individuals on campus and in the surrounding areas, said Coy.

Coy, a graduate of Wayne State College, has worked with public safety since July 2002. His involvement with the student community and Creighton’s family-oriented environment are some qualities that have kept him with the job. 

“You know that saying if you go to your job and enjoy it, then that’s a good thing? That’s what I’ve experienced over the years here,” said Coy.