On campus, the Gustavus Campus Safety officers aim to provide the safest environment possible to produce a healthy academic environment. Known by many as the killjoys that dole out alcohol violations, the responsibilities of the Campus Safety officers extend much farther.

In addition to responding to alcohol and drug usage, the officers are responsible for the security of the residence halls, academic buildings and surrounding Gustavus grounds. They enforce traffic and parking issues, re-key doors for safety, respond to health and safety concerns, patrol the residence halls, address environmental health and fire safety issues, manage campus escort services, and attend to theft and vandalism incidents.

On staff, there are 8 full-time officers, all who have completed First Responders training and participated in self defense classes.

When they are not responding to a call, officers patrol the campus either by foot or in vehicle to ensure a safe environment.

“Part of maintaining the safety of students is being out there, being visible, being seen,” Officer Scott Meyer said.

Unfortunately, a large part of a Campus Safety officer’s day-to-day responsibilities includes enforcing campus policy by writing students up for alcohol and drug violations.

“I try to see them as if they were my kids and I’m looking out for what’s best for them if they were in this situation,” Meyer said. “It’s part of the job. I always hope that most of my contacts end well and that it’s more educational, rather than just negative.”

Although some of the interactions between officers and students are due to a violation, many are positive and contribute to the healthy dynamic between staff and student. Officers get to know students when patrolling buildings, providing medical escorts, or helping with traffic issues.

As many faculty and staff at Gustavus would say, interacting with the students and giving back is one of the most enjoyable parts of the job.

“I always hope that most of my contacts end well and that it’s more educational, rather than just negative.” — Scott Meyer

“It’s the kids, they’re my favorite part. I like to help. I like doing the positive things. Being an officer isn’t always a negative thing.”

Campus Safety also employs over 70 student workers that work both independently and alongside officers. Students primarily work as dispatchers and Safe Rides drivers.

“I really enjoy working at Campus Safety. When the officers aren’t on call they have very genuine conversations with the dispatchers. They do a lot for the campus and always have a good attitude about everything,” Junior Annika Olson said. “Joe Pope loevs to talk about his grandkids and always comes to work with a smile on his face.”

“They do a lot for the campus and always have a good attitude about everything” — Annika Olson

Gustavus Campus Safety officers are in place to provide the safest setting for personal and professional growth. While this does mean they are forced to write up students for offenses, they are here to help students make campus a better home.

“When I go home at night, I feel like I did the best I could and help the most that I could. And I feel good.”