New department to focus on safty, crime prevention

Officials at East Carolina University recently announced the opening of the department of campus safety that will focus on crime prevention through a serious of safety workshops and forums.

Located within the Division of Student Life, the department aims to augment the ECU Police Department and is one of the university’s latest steps to proactively approach safety issues on campus, said Garrie Moore, vice chancellor for student life at ECU.

“Campus safety impacts us all. It is important that each student, faculty and staff member have an opportunity to work, learn and live in a safe and secure environment,” he said. “Clearly the best protection against campus crime is an aware, informed and alert campus community, using reason and caution along with a strong law enforcement presence.”

The department is made up of three full-time employees: Cap. J.P. Smith, Amy Davis and Annette Parker. Smith, who has been reassigned from the ECU Police Department, will serve as director of Campus Safety. Davis, a crime prevention sergeant, and Parker, an administrative assistant, will also be a part of the newly formed department.

The campus safety department began operation in March and is temporarily located in Aycock Residence Hall on College Hill. The office will be moved to Garrett Residence Hall with the completion of renovations this summer.