“Pancakes with P-Safe” Promotes Dialog Between Officers, Students

Students enjoyed a late-night snack/early breakfast Sept. 24 at “Pancakes with Public Safety.” At midnight, Wesleyan’s Public Safety Officers ventured to Bennet Hall where they prepared a meal and spoke to students about safety issues on campus.

“Students often see us as enforcement, so we want to have conversations with students so they see us in a different light,” said Public Safety Supervisor Lt. Fred West, who created the series of Residence Officer Programs in 2013. Past programs include “Pistachio Ice Cream with P-Safe” and “Pasta with P-Safe,” whereas “Potatoes with P-Safe” may be next in line.

Residence Officer Program events generally take place during the evening hours and are hosted by second-shift supervisors and officers. On Sept. 24, Lt. West was accompanied by Supervisor Lt. Sharon Mclaurin; Dispatch Supervisor Tim Johnson; and Officers Maggie Taylor, Kathy Burdick, Ray Czaja, DePaul Avant and Samuel Marquez.

“Our second shift officers put their hearts on their sleeves for these kids,” West said. “Officer Avant, in particular, is phenomenal working with the students. He makes an extra effort to get to know everyone.”

West relies on Residential Life’s Area Coordinators to help advertise the Residence Officer Program events. He also creates flyers, which are available in Usdan, and promotes the upcoming activity on Public Safety’s Facebook page. Wesleyan’s Dining Services/Bon Appétit Management Company often donate ingredients for the cause.

“It’s important that students trust us and believe in us, and seek us out for information,” West said. “We’re already seeing a change for the better.”

View additional photos of “Pancakes with P-Safe” below and in this Wesleyan Photo gallery.